Jerry Summers: Old Age Cynicism

It is necessary to admit being “old” as this article begins.

Secondly, if giving a truthful opinion of false reality is being “cynical” then the writer is guilty on both charges under the fair and impartial American justice system of Attorney General Merrick Garland.

There is a publication titled “The Cynic’s Dictionary” (2000-Contemporary Books, Author: Aubrey Dillon-Malone) that was given to me by an equally skeptical elderly cynic that contains eternal words of wisdom that probably will be appreciated only by the over 70-90’s crowd of former juvenile delinquents in the post-war year periods after WWII.

The author has presented several examples of how different individuals express their own interpretations of the term that applies to senior citizens (old age):

1. A lot of crossed-off names in an address book;

2. A very high price to pay for maturity;

3. Always 15 years older than what I am;

4. Not so bad when you consider the alternative;

5. Life's parody;

6. When you try to straighten the wrinkles on your socks and discover you're not wearing any;

7. The period of life in which we compensate for the vices that remain by reviling those we have no longer the vigor to commit;

8. Someone who remembers when a family went for a drive on Sunday afternoon and everyone got into the same car;

9. Someone who gives good advice in order to console himself for no longer being able to set a bad example.

(After the Amtrak train comes through town, crime is reduced in all areas, the homeless aren’t homeless, inflation is under control, etc. then the accusation of “cynicism” by the new group of older citizens will be better understood!)

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If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact him at jsummers@summersfirm.com)