In Texas In The Arena With Richard Nixon

I think I may have mentioned I'm currently reading Richard Nixon's "In the Arena: A Memoir of Victory, Defeat and Renewal."

I'm currently on the final chapter, titled "Twilight." With Twilight referring to the twilight years, old age, you know, being elderly.

I've long liked Richard Nixon, particularly after he came back from the humiliation of being the only president forced from office.

In "In the Arena" Nixon is amusingly gossipy about all sorts of subjects, such as the drinking habits of leaders he's known. And his own drinking habits.

The chapter on "Pat" is quite touching. The chapter where Nixon explains why he felt compelled to start the War on Cancer is also quite touching.

An excerpt from the "Twilight" chapter that I found resonated with my own views on the subject...

"While each individual must confront old age in his own way, some basic guidelines apply to everyone: keep fit, keep active, keep up with what's going on in the world. The key word here is "keep," which suggest that good habits from a person's younger days are continued in old age. The problem comes with those who didn't have good habits to begin with. A remarkable number of people I've met who are categorized as senile probably didn't have a lot on the ball when they were thirty-five. Alzheimer's Disease, which brings about marked mental decline in some older people, is another matter. But for the man who works his eight hours, comes home and speaks briefly to his wife and children, and then watches television until bedtime, retirement will probably bring on acute simplemindedness within a few years, not because he got old but because his job was the only thing in his life that forced him to use his brain."

Now, what I have noticed is that people who I found dull, boring and totally ignorant regarding the world at large, when they were in their 20s, are far more difficult to relate to now, years later, basically because there has been very little growth. In other words due to the widening gulf, brought about by the passage of years, these sorts seem even more dull, boring and ignorant. And best avoided, if possible.

Below is a short review from Amazon of Nixon's "In the Arena." I think it succinctly nails the appeal of this book...

"Richard Nixon was one of the finest political writers of the twentieth century. I first read "In the Arena" in the early nineties; it inspired me to explore all of his other books. In this semi-autobiographical work, he talks about what it takes to be a politician who can make a difference in the world. Whatever his failings, his words both inspire and entertain. He has a lightness of style which is untypical of politicians of his generation. Too many people close their ears to him because of Watergate. They are missing out on a literary and political treat. He has a lot to teach us, if only we are prepared to listen."