This Week’s Newsletter Message Got Up-Ended

I was going to write about what is wrong with me.
Why, at age 74, I’m not quite as motivated to go after new endeavors as I was just a decade ago – such as increasing the number of my Instagram followers and pursuing speaking opportunities now that COVID restrictions are eased. 
 
I was going to write about the very insightful book I read by Arthur Brooks entitled From Strength to Strength.

 
One reviewer wrote that Arthur Brooks is “one of the few intellectuals who can reliably weave scientific research and everyday observations into what we all really need: succinct advice for a good life.” After reading that short review, I couldn’t resist binge reading all 217 pages – eagerly looking forward to penning numerous newsletter posts on the fascinating subject of turning declining cognitive strengths into assets and opportunities as we age. 
 
But then real life got in the way and Putin invaded the Ukraine. 

 
Brooks spends a ton of time citing examples of great innovators making magnificent strides in their fields early in their careers and then unable to duplicate their success as they age – and not for lack of trying. Often these super stars experience, as they age, diminished raw smarts and higher levels of distractibility. Fortunately, many, to compensate, gain wisdom and how to use that wisdom wisely. 
 
I was going to try to tie Brooks’ well substantiated observations to the hideous situation in the Ukraine. However, my computer keyboard does not readily pound out political pontifications. And my comfort zone is writing about what I know, not what I don’t know. And I don’t know governmental policies, geographical boundaries and European history. 
 
In high school, when I should have been learning about the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, I was focused on wearing down my mother so that she would finally allow me to shave my very hairy legs – in order to be more alluring to Richard Newhauser – who sat next to me in Algebra 1 class. 
 
And then there was the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 – kinda missed that benchmark event too – five kids and keeping up with them, their activities and their lack of follow through on homework assignments left little time for current events and world crises.
 
So I hesitated to write a column on something so serious – so consequential – as the Ukrainian invasion by Russia. 
 
And then it all came together when I heard pundits and newscasters alluding to Putin’s mental state and stability. 
Pondering his grip on reality. 
Is he unhinged? Is his mental acuity diminished?
Or is he just pretending to lesser mental faculties to unnerve the West and appear as irrational?
 
Putin is 69 years old. He is the president of Russia, a position he has filled since 2012, and previously from 1999 until 2008. He was also the prime minister from 1999 to 2000, and again from 2008 to 2012. Even though holding such powerful positions, I certainly wouldn’t consider him a super star and he is obviously not utilizing any late life wisdom.
 
Did he really think the world would stand by while he initiates a pre-meditated and unprovoked attack on the Ukraine? 
Did he really think NATO and the West wouldn’t respond when his military hammers civilian targets and missiles pummel Ukrainian cities? 
When 1000’s of Ukrainian citizens are being killed? 
When women and children flee the country – unsure when or if they will see their loved ones again?
 
I think Putin is suffering from striver fatigue. He needs to go quietly into the night and let more rational minds prevail. I think Arthur Brooks would agree.
 
Keep Preserving Your Bloom and Pray for Peace,
 
Iris Ruth Pastor