"I had to think whether, after 50 years of hard slog, I was still lucid and fresh enough for the job"

Jacques Delors' quote assesses his long profession and the toll it has handled him. He is questioning his own psychological and physical capabilities after 50 years of effort. He is questioning if he still has the psychological clearness and energy to handle a new job. This quote speaks to the importance of self-reflection and taking stock of one's own abilities. It also speaks with the importance of taking breaks and charging in order to stay fresh and productive. Delors' quote is a tip that even after a long career, it is very important to put in the time to evaluate one's own capabilities and ensure that a person is still approximately the job. It is a suggestion that even after a long profession, it is necessary to take the time to evaluate one's own abilities and ensure that one is still up to the job.