On Getting Better

Abstract

Among the many benefits that middle age has brought my way is the knack of saying, “No.” At the beginning of my career I was so eager to find my way (and, I confess, to make some name for myself) that I said “Yes” to many too many invitations to give papers, to contribute articles, to serve on committees, to write reviews. I have at last learned that the world will continue on its course without my taking a turn at pushing it, and that projects that go forward without my participation often turn out very well indeed. Besides, I am getting tired. That is one of the few disadvantages of middle age, as is the increasing burden of things that one is not so much requested as expected to do, such as chair a department. So when the Art Journal called to ask if I would sign onto William Stern's interesting proposal and help him edit an issue devoted to the representation of masculinity, my impulse was to say, “No.” But I didn't. I said, “Maybe.” Then I spoke at some length with Bill Stern himself, with other members of the Art Journal editorial board, and with friends. When asked the second time, I said, “Yes.”