I think the whole notion of mid life crisis was invented by men to convince their wives that they needed to buy/do something crazy, even non sensible. The word crisis is frightening and probably scared the listener to acquiesce; and I must doff my hat to those who coined it.
The logic goes something like this: most of us "heroic" men have "lofty" goals... and most of these were formed when we were barely out of our boyhoods and venturing boldly into manhoods. The capitalistic ones would be wishing to make a million by the thirty or forty (depending on how unrealistic one is). The idealistic ones would pledge to change the world. The more pragmatic ones would have simplet goals: have a good career, a loving wife, wonderful kids.
So by mid life (round about 40, I would say), we take stock and check our bank accounts, the state of the world, the relationship with the wife and the conditions of our children. Suffice to say, some or maybe many, would not have made it. So, crisis.
And then the toys for boys. One way to mark the attainment of childhood dreams is to reward oneself with one's hard earned cash with a very nice toy. In a world of crime and punishment or its more positive cousin, prize and achievement, it does make sense to go out there and get our well earned reward.
There is the shrewd elegance of the midlife crisis concept. For those in crisis, who have nor achieved their life goals by mid life, it would also dawn on them that these may not materialise.
The corporate ladder is no longer there for climbing. That million dollars perhaps too out of reach. The wicked problems of the world remains wicked. So, what is one to do? Well, we can comfortably ourselves with a nice toy (that is just that little bit beyond our attainment level).
In my case, I am fortunate that I could drive nice cars, including sporty and super ones. It's less about a midlife crisis but because I am blessed with a good life. The first people I gave rides to are my parents. They deserve it. They gave me the raw materials. They nurtured me.
So, yes, a Malaccan now drives a Ferrari. I dont know how long I will keep driving it. Maybe until I can't crawl in and out of the driver's seat. But until then, I thank God.
Even at this age, i do think it is not too late to have aspirations. If a teenage me could dream all that and made them come true with my dear wife, how about taking time this next lap to enjoy my parents, my kids and their families. And of course do all I can with the love of my life.
