Ambition and a joy for living (joie de vivre) do not mix in politics. Newt Gingrich has learned that the hard way by losing nearly two dozen of his aides. His aides blame him for having the lack of discipline needed for a presidential candidate.

While Gingrich’s campaign struggles to raise money, Newt Gingrich took  a vacation to the Greek isles with his wife and spent more money than he raised. He also campaigned less, focusing instead more on his private life.

It will be difficult for Newt Gingrich to pursue and win the Republican nomination. It is better for him to quit and focus on his family. As the Swahili of Tanzania say, “He who earns calamity, eats it with his family.”