One day when John Quincy Adams was 80 years old (younger than I am now) a friend saw him on the streets of Boston and cheerfully asked,
How is John Quincy Adams?
Adams’s eyes twinkled and he answered,
John Quincy Adams himself is very well, thank you. But the house he lives in is sadly dilapidated. It is tottering on its foundations. The walls are badly shattered, and the roof is worn. The building trembles with every wind, and I think John Quincy Adams will have to move out before very long. But he himself is very well.
Then Adams waved his hand and walked on.
I first read this anecdote 42 years ago, and I love it even more now.
September 24, 2021
that is simply wonderful! the true mark of the man. XO
Yes. 🙂
How very clever!
🙂
Yes very clever – sometimes when people ask me how i am – I say “mustn’t grumble” but maybe I should say my house is crumbling which is making me grumble…but who remembers those stock saying at the drop of a hat. I don’t for sure…
I say, “Doing the best we can with what we have left.”
Interesting…I think my.mouth would drop.open if someone answered me this way. But I like it.
I love it. 🙂
A very interesting answer.
I love it. 🙂
I love this! Tom’s all the time saying, “Can’t complain; nobody wants to listen.”
That’s a great one too. 🙂
I love it and it is so fitting for this time in my life and bob’s also.. it fits quite a few of yours and my followers. thanks for sharing it
I’m glad you liked it too.