Who is Geoff Hutchison?
A curious twelve-year-old kid, who laughs easily, despite being cruelly trapped in the body of a 62-year-old man.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would have quite liked to captain the Australian cricket team. Tactically I would be very astute, but perhaps prone to backing away and even bursting into tears against the short ball.
Who inspires you and why?
Those who realise we share a common humanity and only a small home. And act accordingly. I am more engaged by the idea of Us than Me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Try to convince more people that the Nordic countries are probably onto something. Having enough is enough. And from that, the search for contentment is more important than some kind of mythical notion of happiness.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Probably Rome. Great art is everywhere – from a Bernini sculpture to a perfect cacio e pepe. And I will never forget, on the eve of the birth of the Christ child, strolling past three priests singing a do wop version of White Christmas on the steps of St Peter’s.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
WA’s Southwest – and Great Southern – Margaret River and beyond. Surf and vines and big old trees. And in Fremantle – to a brewery that sits right on the Port. There with beer in hand and a sun setting lazily, you can marvel at the diverse maritime traffic – from container ships, the Rottnest ferries and gambolling dolphins.
What are you currently reading?
My Friends by Hisham Matar. A beautiful and rather heartbreaking story of exile and friendship.
What are you currently listening to?
More – The first Pulp album for many years. Jarvis Cocker is both a great artist and piss taker.
Happiness is?
Now you’ve compromised me, because I’m so keen on contentment. I am at my happiest when my kids and their partners are around. Strangely enough I think they (and their Mum) are the most beautiful people on Earth.
What does the future hold for you?
I spent more than 40 years in media and enjoyed an incredibly privileged and diverse career. But I’m done with that now. I want to write more and take the ideas behind How Not to Become a Grumpy Bugger to as wide an audience as I can find.
Geoff is the Author of How Not to Become a Grumpy Bugger – published by Affirm Press and available from all good book sellers.
Image: Geoff Hutchison (supplied)