World Leaders with Childlike Minds

There is an amusing old Chinese saying: "The very young are children, and so are the very old." It suggests that in their twilight years, people revert to a childlike state—simple-minded, innocent, fanciful, and detached from reality. Their words and actions can seem like mere child's play! Psychologically, this "second childhood" phenomenon is considered a normal part of aging, entirely consistent with the natural course of life.

Leading a nation, however, demands exceptional judgment and decisiveness, along with robust physical stamina. Without these qualities, a leader cannot withstand the immense pressures of economic and political governance, let alone the burdens of wartime leadership. Individuals over the age of 70 whose cognitive faculties have regressed to a childlike state and whose physical capacities are in decline are simply no longer fit to serve as heads of state.

At 78, Donald Trump confidently declared during his campaign for a second presidential term: "I’ve taken cognitive tests, and I passed with flying colors." But frankly, the very fact that you feel compelled to take a cognitive test suggests you’re already unfit for office!

Years ago, China’s Deng Xiaoping introduced the "Seven Up, Eight Down" rule for members of the Politburo Standing Committee—those aged 67 could serve another five-year term, while those aged 68 had to retire. There was considerable wisdom in that approach. Constitutions around the world ought to include a similar provision: anyone over the age of 70 should be ineligible to run for or serve as head of state.

Yet today, several major nations are led by individuals approaching 80. While it’s hardly surprising that authoritarian dictators cling to power, it’s alarming to see the United States joining this trend. The world already faces mounting uncertainty, and this pattern promises only more instability ahead.

Now we hear that figures nearing 80, such as Brazil’s Lula and Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi, are poised to return to politics. It leaves one speechless. To all these leaders in their second childhood: please, give the world a break.