George W. Bush: I Don’t Want Fame Or Power Anymore

George W. Bush has had enough of fame and power.

The former president said that holding power for too long can be “corrosive” and that he now wants to spent his time away from the spotlight.

“I don’t long for [fame]. Nor do I long for power,” Bush told The Huffington Post at his annual Warrior 100K bike race held at his Texas ranch. “I’ve come to realize that power can be corrosive if you’ve had it for too long. It can dim your vision.

“And so I came to the conclusion that, you know, I don’t long for fame. And really, gonna shy away from it. Not shy away from it. Avoid it. I’m not very shy. Avoid it.”

After ending his second term with a sunken approval rating and a nation torn over the war in Iraq and collapse of the economy, he has lived up to his word. George W. Bush shunned fame, staying almost entirely away from politics.

While former vice president Dick Cheney has remained a vocal member of the Republican party, sometimes criticizing President Obama, Bush has refused to bash Obama. Instead, Bush seems to understand the difficulties Obama is facing.

“I’m not surprised the president is having a difficult go,” Bush said. “It’s just amazing how history repeats itself.”

Indeed, Bush’s legacy as a divisive president has also subsided. His approval ratings have increased post-presidency, and many who once blamed him for the economic collapse now recognize that a number of factors contributed to it.

Recently George W. Bush re-emerged to the spotlight for the completion of his presidential library, which was unveiled in April. He has also taken more time with family, having recently welcomed granddaughter Margaret Hager.

George W. Bush isn’t just avoiding fame in his post-White House life. He seems to have embraced solitude, those close to him say, as he’s spending days alone and reportedly taking up painting.