The late John le Carré, the famous writer of espionage novels, said that in the spy business, when at the height of your trade craft, you’re already on the shelf - meaning you’ve reached retirement age and had been put to pasture. The same I think applies to writing (unless, of course, you’re a celebrity author like John le Carré). I had a nanosecond flirtation with the former business, what le Carré called the secret world, and I spent my adult life writing corporately and leading a double life, as well. I thought about his view because I just recently turned 70, a milestone which one must perforce consider. I put out a memoir of sorts and every day write columns on this substack page, among other things. I count myself extravagantly lucky for a simple reason.
© 2024 John Oliver
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