I read somewhere today that the life expectancy of the average American male is 77 years of age; for women it is 81 years of age. It’s an inevitable dissolution, clearly. Yet I prefer to approach the impending collapse with a sense of reason not a mournful disposition. Logic I find offers a far more axiomatic clarity than mere factual scrutiny. While I await the precipitous evaporation I am curious to recall what I have learned in the interim. Herewith is my ad hoc analysis of the subject segregated into decades for convenience (though I haven’t any basis to suggest the learning process is different from one decade to the other or indeed that any particular education is devoted to one fraction or the other).
Ages 1 – 10
It was a small world revolving about the family home. The bicycle was an important constituent. There were odd communications overheard from the senior boys in the locker room. I raised homing pigeons and a tiny Purple Martin which fell from its nest at Dr. McGregor Parsons’ house. In the summer we were jettisoned to the country club for swimming and hamburgers. The nearby woods invited discovery especially of Lady Slippers. Julie Nixon and I were in the same class at Horace Mann School. Our teacher Mrs. McGee was deferential to her for reasons I did not then understand. I was more occupied with my fish tank and the hornet nest attached to a lamp post. Colour television evolved with its iconic peacock.
Ages 11 – 20
The Protestant Work Ethic afforded its full flavour. Effort was rewarded. Education was an absorption. I learned to appreciate friendship; and to remove myself from conflict. There were forces at work in the background but I hadn’t a critical assessment of them. I was developing my personal convictions which I casually nurtured and from which at times I astonishingly recoiled.
Ages 21 – 30
I had met my match. I was pleased with my choices. Law school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS provided a lifelong maritime passion that extended to the eastern seaboard of the United States of America. There was no turning back. As a Don of Devonshire House at University of Toronto I attained the pinnacle of my urban desire. In the country Town of Almonte I opened my own law practice with three legal assistants. The desirability of a niche market became apparent. I’ve never looked back and I am forever grateful.
Ages 31 – 40
Work. Cigarettes. Booze. Socalizing. The meaning of upgrade evolved. Work – did I mention that?
Ages 41 – 50
Capital investment. Close alliance. Incomparable unity. Delightful travel. Awakening culinary privileges. Adoration of French bulldogs.
Ages 51 – 60
Enjoying life! Capturing the distilled refinements of the past.
Ages 61 – 70
Evolution. Commencement of the dénouement. Calculation. Critical examination. Choices. Remove that smile from your face! Less is more.