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“You live as if you were destined to live forever . . . You squander time as if you drew from a full and abundant supply, though all the while that day which you bestow on some person or thing is perhaps your last.”
~Seneca, On the Shortness of Life
Today is my 21st birthday.
What has felt like a lifetime of taxes, groaning when I get out of bed, and the occasional case of plantar fasciitis—I’m reminded that it’s been only twenty-one short laps around the sun.
Funny enough, my entire life I’ve been labeled an “old soul,” or, of recent, “old man,” which is entirely too true. While I don’t want to write an entire dissertation on my old-ness, just imagine a young man coming home from work, kicking back and watching Jeopardy! That’s me.
What’s more, by the time I was out of the womb, I had already qualified for Medicare! Okay . . . enough with the Dangerfield-esk punchlines.
That brings me to today’s topic: the shortness of life.
Aka, Death. (Wow, such a fun topic for a birthday post!)
It’s not an easy topic to discuss, for death lurks nearby regardless of age, status, or hair color. I’ve always been equally fascinated and scared of death—like a philosopher, I’ve deeply pondered the concept—though, in recent years, I’ve learned to accept it.
I’m okay with death???
No, not really—but I’ve instead accepted that it’s inevitable.
I’ll cut to the chase: We really don’t have tons of time here. Death gives our lives urgency, especially not knowing when the day might come. Death reminds us to live for today, not for yesterday or tomorrow (though we may dwell on both)—and it fuels our lives’ decisions whether we know it or not.
Memento mori. “Remember you must die.”
Once we consider our immortality, we begin to reassess our lives: Am I doing quality work? Am I being a good human? Am I eating enough greens?
Again, it’s not an easy reminder. But it gives us reason to do the things that truly matter—to pursue our dreams, to be compassionate toward others, to do whatever it is that fulfills us. We don’t have time to waste, so we must maximize our time and use it wisely.
For one day we shall die and be buried—and that is a natural, physical death. It is unnatural, however, for our souls to die—a spiritual death—by regret, shame, or in longing for what we wish we did instead.
Live for today . . . because tomorrow is not promised.
It’s up to you.
A quick message: It’s rather odd to celebrate my birthday by talking about death, but I’m enthralled by philosophy, and I too needed the reminder. If you’re interested in reading about famous philosophers and their respective philosophies, consider reading Eric Weiner’s “The Socrates Express.” It’s a very accessible book on ten influential philosophers, which is perfect for those trying to get into the subject without being bogged down by existential questions and all the other baggage philosophy carries with it. Fun Fact: Did you know that comedian Steve Martin studied philosophy in college? It’s an under-appreciated discipline, perhaps because of its magnitude—but it’s so much fun to learn about. Or not. Depends on if you like to live in a constant state of asking questions about everything around you. 🙂