Mitch McConnell, Thomas Pynchon, and the Kardashians, You Should Retire. Now.

Photo by Joey Huang on Unsplash

Almost a decade ago, Emily Yoffe, Slate’s then-Dear Prudence, wrote a pair of articles (here and here) explaining why certain high-profile people should retire from their careers. Her logic?

For some who should go, the problem is they’re producing work of such an inferior quality that they risk destroying their reputations. For others, the sad fact of the depredations of time means they can’t discharge their duties effectively.

Some of her suggestions were spot-on.

• Al Davis: Once-great owner of the Oakland Raiders whose doddering later years made him the cancer holding back his team.
• Pat Robertson: Right-wing pseudo-preacher who became a leading Trump apologist.
• Joe Paterno: Fired as Penn State’s football coach due to his role in the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. He had been there 61 years, meaning his tenure was eligible for a free McDonald’s coffee.

Others were a little short-sighted.

• George Lucas: “He hasn’t issued a significant film in years and has become more of a joke.” Four years later, Star…