Knowledge

I am bursting with knowledge. I am so full of it that I don’t know what to do with it or where to store it anymore. But when you think about it, it is rather normal… after all, I am an octogenarian, and over the years I have accumulated a lot of (often useless) stuff.

I feel like a pack rat aware of the problem, but reluctant to get rid of the rubbish. But I know that I must because it is becoming burdensome. Knowledge is like money. When you have too much of it, it weighs on you and becomes difficult to manage… and you cannot take it with you anyway.

So occasionally (like many seniors) I do some “cache “cleaning. I purge the attic of some unimportant dates or facts such as anniversaries or birthdays.  Some mean-spirited people call it dementia, but I prefer to view this as a salubrious Spring Cleaning operation.

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.” ― Alan Alda

Regrettably, knowledge lacks tangibility or marketability. It cannot be bequeathed to relatives or donated. Thus, it is better to jettison some of it to gain altitude and fly above the clouds.

In many ways, knowledge is akin to money… and it is often squandered. Despite the universal understanding that wars are a waste of time, money, and human lives, some individuals persist in initiating new conflicts. Is territorial expansion really necessary? Smaller countries are often more prosperous and happier than their larger counterparts. Would you not prefer residing in Switzerland rather than Russia?

Finally, many individuals should opt for a cerebral flush rather than resorting to plastic surgery to mask imperfections. Presidential candidates, in particular, should undergo a form of brain drain to eliminate the rubbish and fabrications accumulated over the years.

Finally, the sanitized candidates should write about what they know before we vote for any of them:

“Write what you know. That should leave you with a lot of free time.” ― Howard Nemerov

 Never be afraid to jettison some rubbish to gain altitude.

Alain

Ignorance is bliss… or is it?

Have you ever heard the old saying, “Ignorance is bliss”? As you grow older, you will come to realize that this notion is far from being true. It’s a pervasive lie perpetuated by various sectors of our society. Ignorance puts blinders on you, and that’s the way the ruling classes prefer it.

In the Middle Ages, only priests could read, and they wielded this privilege to their advantage. They could dictate what was good or bad for you (and for them), without delving into details. It was a matter of blind obedience to their instructions.

Though time has passed, some aspects of life have remained unchanged. Today’s doctors often play a role similar to the priests of yesteryear. They may possess knowledge, but they seem to be reluctant (or pressed by time) to share it with their patients. Due to our limited understanding of medicine, we tend to listen to our doctors and blindly follow their directives.

However, as you age, you’ll discover that this approach is fundamentally flawed. A consultation with your doctor should not be a one-sided conversation dominated by the physician. Instead, it should be an intelligent dialogue. But how can it be a dialogue when medical professionals communicate in Latin, a language you might not fully understand and are afraid to ask?

For a meaningful dialogue, knowledge is crucial. Without it, you can only listen without asking pertinent questions. The human body is akin to a mechanical device; regular maintenance is essential for optimal functioning. Just as you don’t take your car to the garage only when it breaks down, your body requires consistent attention from scratch.

Initiating maintenance from the beginning and staying aware of your body’s functionality, understanding trends and weaknesses since birth, are vital. Knowing the significance of the numbers in your medical tests and what actions to take for prevention and correction is equally important.

This awareness shouldn’t start when you begin experiencing issues in your so-called “Golden Age.” To make your later years truly golden, it’s imperative to cultivate a body-conscious mindset early on.

Never take your health for granted. Stay vigilant about the numbers from your medical tests and ask pointed questions of your regular physician.

Ignorance is not bliss; it’s a grave delusion. The remedy for this regrettable knowledge gap is to be aggressively aware and proactive.

Alain

Booyah for Sara

A short while ago, I received some intel that our very own Sara Danielson penned a little piece in the Marin Independent Journal, praising the game of pétanque. To that, I say, “Booyah for Sara!”

Joe and Sara Danielson

In response to the IJ’s article titled “Adults need playdates too,” Sara highlighted that “pétanque provides social interaction outdoors in the fresh air with minimal equipment.” Booyah indeed!

The crucial takeaway here is social interaction, a key factor irrespective of age. Humans, much like all living beings, require playtime, and beyond a certain age, staying active and socially connected becomes even more vital. Play isn’t just reserved for children; it is also a necessity for adults.

Isolation tends to afflict older citizens, and it is known to contribute to dementia. Imagine a car left idle for an extended period; it won’t function as well as one used regularly. Similarly, human beings need to stay socially and physically active—essential elements for happiness.

“As if a man’s soul were not too small to begin with, they have dwarfed and narrowed theirs by a life of all work and no play; until here they are at forty, with a listless attention, a mind vacant of all material of amusement, and not one thought to rub against another, while they wait for the train.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

You’re not always in the mood to play, but, as the French say, “l’appétit vient en mangeant” (appetite comes with eating). Sometimes you must push yourself to do something to finally enjoy it; it’s often a case of mind over body.

Unfortunately, many Americans are unfamiliar with pétanque, missing out on a great activity. It’s something everyone can enjoy, even those in wheelchairs. In France, numerous celebrities partake in this sport, enhancing their public image.

As America faces crucial elections in 2024, there’s concern about the incumbent’s fittingness for the role. A notable boost in ratings could occur if the president was seen on the pétanque field mingling with common folks. While past presidents often played golf, (seen by many as an elitist sport) the current president could demonstrate solidarity with common folks by playing pétanque with them. What a great photo opportunity it would be…

Once again, a big  Booyah for Sara, for making pétanque more familiar and more appealing to all Americans.

Alain