Maxine Hong Kingston, the acclaimed writer and poet, is a true example of someone whose ambition is undimmed by time. In a recent interview for “The Unstoppables” series, she shared her thoughts on aging, creativity, and the never-ending pursuit of storytelling.
At 80 years old, Kingston defies the stereotypes of old age. She dismisses the idea that physical ailments are simply a result of getting older, emphasizing that age is just a measure of time passing by. Instead of focusing on vanity, she finds joy in expressing herself through her eyebrows, believing that youthfulness is more about attitude than appearance.
Despite contemplating retirement, Kingston finds herself constantly inspired by new stories and ideas. She credits her lifelong passion for storytelling to her early desire to be a poet, even when she had nothing to write about. This deep-rooted ambition has led her to believe that she has been a writer in multiple lifetimes, with her current incarnation being that of an “American Bodhisattva.”
As she continues to work on projects like the second edition of “Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace” and revising a diary of the past decade, Kingston remains focused on moving forward and embracing the new. She rejects nostalgia, preferring to look ahead to what lies ahead in her creative journey.
With her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to inspire younger generations, Maxine Hong Kingston is a true testament to the power of ambition and creativity that knows no bounds.
