Today is Misao Okawa’s birthday. She’s 116, the oldest person alive on Earth.
From time immemorial it has been human compulsion to beat a path to the eldest of our tribe in search of epiphany, the spiritual and dietary recipe for eternal bliss.
What is the secret to a long, satisfying life?
Today that path brings us to Misao Okawa, the Sage.
And do you know what she said?
She said, — and this is apparently the direct quote:
“Eat and sleep.”
And that was it.
The multitude waited for more but no more was forthcoming. Misao Okawa just smiled through those ancient eyes as if to say, “There you go, run along now. And keep off the lawn!”
Eat and sleep.
As a mere toddler of 62 I’m a bit disappointed. But she obviously knows what she’s talking about.
Misao Okawa’s kids are 92 and 94.