I remember my mother on the phone, sadly recounting how two young women I had attended high school with had suddenly died. “Isn’t it strange, what are the odds?” she said.
I replied, a bit callously, “Quite good actually. Speed kills.”
Sadly, back then so many people were oblivious to speed (methamphetamine). My mother was a teacher at that same school. She had no idea they were addicted. Nor I guess, most of the community. They had a close friend, also addicted. She was my very first infatuation in junior high. Before she found speed. I did not stay in touch. I believe she kicked it… but perhaps not before the damage was done. She died in her 30’s. Speed kills.
Later, the speed kills statement was culturally co-opted for actual vehicular speed. OK. Speed kills… or can, when it comes to cars also.
But I realize in my life, that speed became my addiction too. Living life fast. Everything, faster and faster. Deadlines. Crazy deadlines. One after another. Overlapping. Before it became completely crazy, I had a boss who would announce “TTT”. We would leave early that day, drive out to the lake and sail the afternoon and evening away on his boat. It was “Time To Think”. A strategic pause. He was a wise manager. One rejuvenating day fueled future productivity and mental health.
A strategic pause has long since lost favor in corporate life. Long since lost favor in our society. Push, push, faster and faster. I read another GE retirement letter last week. An HR leader, bragging about how he would never slow down. He will work more, and faster in retirement. No time to relax. Didn’t like golf. Hated fishing. And his wife said they still needed more money. Living life fast, and proud of it.
Many times in my life, I have felt stupid. I just “didn’t get” certain elaborate concepts. But when I read proclamations bragging about living life fast… I smile.
I get it. They don’t.