An Essay: On The Aging Of Great Men
It is a truth to be readily observed that great men do not, in fact, age well. The combination of advancing age and declining greatness do much to lower the dignity and self-respect of the sorry victim of this hard reality, and it is sad that so little can be done to allay this condition at the present time…
For one, formerly accustomed to the heights of renown, the glory of approbation and refined success, and a certain respect and awe felt towards themselves on a near-universal basis, to be suddenly faced with the reversal of this pleasant process, in agonising, slow, daily steps, is no easy matter. This great person, so used and accustomed to the advancement and elevation of themselves through their own will and accomplishment, is now subjected to a steady waning and faltering of their former powers, to which they can offer no lasting resistance. They are powerless in the hand of time and age, and the corruption of an imperfect physical form, and perhaps it is this powerlessness that is one of the most overwhelming factors for a great man of advancing years…
The inherent lowness, or descent, of their condition, as contrasted with their former elevated state, is an object of great concern and notice both in the eye of that person and those that are about him. To the fools of this world, the treacherous, and the morally poor, he is now prone to mockery, both subtle and direct, and such things as doubt, suspicion, investigation, disrespect, and scorn. Even amongst his fellows and most trusted friends and companions, he may encounter some instances of these things; though no doubt with more subtlety and craft, which, upon discovery, likely yield greater hurt than that occasioned by the blatant opinion of the unworthy.
A feeling of uselessness, unworthiness, and shame can fill such a man, though his acts may still be good and far better in comparison with those of the world’s men at large… To fall so far, and it would seem, so unfairly, can wreak havoc upon the ego and emotional composure of this victim, and as a result, he may decline in equal measure by way of his age as by way of his discouragement…
In support of this person, great encouragement and compassion should be advanced by those worthy of his friendship- also patience, discernment, perception, and love. Though his abilities may wane, his spirits can be kept in a condition not too far fallen from that of previous times, so that, though his mind and abilities may falter with time, at least his heart and soul may greatly outlive his mind- and so then, by means of a condition of relative happiness and inner strength, he may resist the urge to decline at a faster rate through hopelessness and despondency; and, perchance, he may still retain for a longer period a few of his qualities to their former degree of growth, and hence give encouragement and serve as a worthy example to those who, through no fault of their own or their fellowman, are forced to endure the sufferings of the great men who age…
Daniel Macintyre 10/05/2024
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Fevers of the Mind 
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