An Insightful Takeaway from the Mueller Hearing

“We are all, everyone of us, headed in the
direction of a slower version of ourselves.”

I appreciate Rabbi Aaron Brusso’s thoughts on aging and our “culture of high speed media,” thoughts that were prompted by media coverage of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s recent testimony before Congress and, in particular, the July 24, 2019 New York Times article entitled, “Mueller’s Labored Performance Was a Departure From His Once-Fabled Stamina.”

Here’s what Rabbi Brusso has to say . . .

Look at Robert Mueller and internalize this: we are all, everyone of us, headed in the direction of a slower version of ourselves. There isn't enough Viagra or skin cream, there aren't enough candy apple red convertibles in the world to stop it.

What is not inevitable is that when we get there we will have lived a life of service to people and higher principles. What is not a forgone conclusion is whether at 74-years-old we could testify for seven hours and not once be triggered by personal attacks or bought by fawning praise.

[This New York Times article on Mueller] is a red flag that our culture of high speed media is privileging pouncing predators and sleek soundbites over slow, methodical, careful and reasoned thinking that increases everyone's responsibility without the satisfaction of a triumphant moment.

You will strain to find it in the hundreds of clips but Mueller genuinely thanks people for corrections. Apologizes for inaccuracies in his answers. Listens patiently without interrupting. Never once lets his face show disgust or irritation or bruised ego.

His center of gravity is simply located elsewhere. Outside of the hearing room. Possibly in the National Archives amidst founding documents. Possibly with his family and those with whom he served in the military.

One thing is for sure, in that congressional hearing room amidst politicians and the media, he was a foreign object.

And the proof of that is this New York Times headline that belongs amidst pop up ads for hair loss and ab crunching devices.

A. J. Heschel once said, “When I was young I admired people who were clever, now that I am old I admire people who are kind.”

– Rabbi Aaron Brusso
via Facebook
July 25, 2019

Related Off-site Links:
Actually, Robert Mueller Was Awesome – Renato Mariotti (Politico, July 25, 2019).
Stephen Colbert Names and Shames the Press for Panning Robert Mueller – Lee Moran (The Huffington Post, July 26, 2019)
10 Key Takewawys From Robert Mueller's Testimony – Cris Cillizza (CNN, July 25, 2019).
What the Mueller Investigation Was Always About – Dahlia Lithwick (Slate, July 25, 2019).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
• Quote of the Day – July 24, 2019
• Thomas Moore on the “Ageless Soul”
• Turning 50
• Soul Deep