Last Saturday, Henry Kissinger celebrated his 100th birthday. In honor of this milestone, his son, David Kissinger, took to the Washington Post to tout his dad’s “rare brain” and “unflagging energy,” offering a tongue-in-cheek “guide to longevity.” We learn about key lifestyle factors for the statesman, which include “a diet heavy on bratwurst and Wiener schnitzel,” and watching sports. As his proud son notes, Kissinger outlived “most of his peers, eminent detractors and students.”
One of those unfortunately deceased eminent detractors, Anthony Bourdain, once wrote that “[o]nce you’ve been to Cambodia, you’ll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands,” in his 2001 book, A Cook’s Tour. And, in fact, it's been a meme for years that the controversial diplomat's lifespan is proof that only the good die young. (A new investigation by The Intercept revealed that America’s secret bombing campaign in Cambodia, architected by Kissinger, may have killed up to 150,000 civilians, a figure much higher than previously estimated.)
From another perspective, Kissinger's 100th birthday just shows that we don't have a full picture of why some people live longer than others. Money, genetics, and friends all help. (You can almost hear Bryan Johnson cursing from his hyperbaric chamber.)
More Great Wellness Stories From GQThe Only 6 Exercises You Need to Get a Six-Pack
You Should Be Doing Hamstring Stretches Every Day—Here’s Why (and 7 To Try)
The Many Stealthy Ways Creatine Boosts Your Health
Flexibility Is a Key to Longevity. Here’s How to Improve Yours, According to Experts
How to Actually Build Muscle When You Work Out
Not a subscriber? Join GQ to receive full access to GQ.com.
Ashwin Rodrigues is a freelance writer. He often covers health, fitness, and things you might've heard on a podcast. He previously worked at Morning Brew as a business features reporter. Even more previous than that, he was a staff writer on the culture team at VICE. His byline can also... Read moreXRelated Stories for GQHealth