From SC, re “Chat-GPT as Mark Ford” in the May 12 issue: 

“I loved it. But to me, the only thing that I might call ‘disturbing’ was the hint of cynicism I’m seeing in some of your writing the last year or so.

“Yes, those ‘keys to living’ are clichés and not terribly original. But not at all ‘drivel.’ I’ll tell you what I did right after I read it. I copied it and e-mailed it to my two oldest grandchildren.

“I always considered your writing on social and political issues to be very balanced. Lately, I see a little more despair, frustration… even anger. I respectfully suggest some clear-eyed optimism. By that, I don’t mean a sniveling, trite infusion of ‘happy talk’ or a denial that there is much corruption, greed & fraud in the world. I mean a recognition that there is more good than bad, that trust is better than suspicion, and hope is better than despair.”

My Response: Thanks for your comments, SC.

I’m sure I have become more frustrated and despairing of late. But isn’t that what one should do in one’s seventies?

It’s said, as you know, that if you are young and conservative, you have no heart, and if you are older and liberal, you have no brain.

You suggest that I should be more fair-minded. I do try, especially with topical issues, because my instinct is often to rail. It’s as if, as I get closer to my use-by date, I don’t feel I have the time to wait while everyone gradually comes to realize that I was right all along!

I also try to remember that the world won’t self-implode if all its problems aren’t solved before I shuffle off the old coil.

In the article you are responding to, I was “excited” to discover that someone had used Chat-GPT to create an AI version of an essay I might write about how to live a rich life. In fact, I wrote dozens of essays on the subject. A book, too. I was disappointed to see that all my cleverness was boiled down to a handful of truisms that could be gleaned from anyone.

Perhaps that’s what Chat-GPT did. Perhaps it had no access to my brilliant ideas. Perhaps the poor thing had to limit itself to the millions of things other people have said on the subject. In that case, I forgive it!

PS: I hope the advice, bland as it was, entertained your grandkids!

From MC, after a visit to Paradise Palms Botanical & Sculpture Gardens: 

“Paradise Palms is absolutely delightful. Rick was a perfect host and guide as he shuttled my wife and me around the entire property in a golf cart. He was very knowledgeable about the various palm trees and plants throughout and imparted that knowledge to us. We even snapped a cute picture of a racoon up in a palm tree. After that, we enjoyed strolling around the park ourselves. I must say we are very envious of his position as the property manager of PPB&SG. If any of your readers are ever in South Florida, highly recommended that they make time to come see and enjoy.”

My Response: Thanks for the recommendation, MC!

The gardens are not yet fully open, but private tours are available by appointment Monday, Thursday, and Saturday between noon and 2:00 pm. Though there is no formal admission fee, visitors are asked to make a donation to cover the cost of the tour guide.

For more information about the gardens or to schedule a private tour or event, email Giovanna Koo: giovanna@palimi.net.