Q. A good friend and respected colleague, a QC who crossed into commerce, has of late enjoyed some success in that field, becoming chairman of two significant companies. This has buoyed his self-esteem which was not previously especially low in the water. Recently the FT saw fit to profile him in their ‘Power Player’ series, describing him as ‘a ferocious intellect’, among other things. He is now to be heard professing a lifelong admiration for the perspicacity of the FT editorial team. To date he has indeed been a clever, witty and immensely enjoyable colleague, but any objective survey would also report a lack of height and hair, along with a keen appetite for alcohol. I worry that his recent fêting, coming late in life as it does, might allow his little feet to leave the ground completely. What should we do to remind him of his mortality?
K.C., London SW7
A. Knowledge that a fêted figure was in fact short, bald and with a keen appetite for alcohol would do little to reverse status perception. These are the distinguishing features of many leaders. All too soon, without the need for any intervention from you, nature, time and media will run their inexorable course and cut this man back down to size again. In the meantime, do let him exult in his temporary run of glory.
Q. Your reply to the letter from R.C., of Boar’s Hill (24 October) reflects an ignorance of the breed in question. Pugs have long been the choice of royal dynasties — in China for several centuries. And when Prince William of Holland ascended the English throne, pugs attended the ceremony wearing orange ribbons. They are known to be used in therapy for the elderly and for sick children.
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