posted on Nov, 27 2010 @ 07:14 PM
An old question, and well-worth thinking about.
Most agree, such knowledge would change our life, at least on a superficial level, we could make arrangements, not worry as much in between, get
reckless, etc.
But we DO have this knowledge, to an extent. We know we're not real likely to live to 90. We also know we "could" die in an accident, or get
sick, etc. These parameters are rather narrow when we really think about it.
SO, this being the case, in other words, we already "know" to an extent when we will die, so how ARE we living?
All of us can use a bit of introspection, moments where we "take inventory". Thinking about "final matters" is exactly such a meditation, and it
can be very beneficial.
A recently popularized "exercise" that can have great benefits in the here and now, is to write our own obituary. Other vintage suggestions might
have run something like, "What would you like to have on your gravestone?" But the point is the same. What is it that we would like to be
remembered for? What do we consider noble, in that very "final" sense?
Obviously, the idea is that if we can focus on this "vision" of our better selves, we can indeed become that better self. Whether we believe in an
afterlife, or not, all humans seem to want to "make a difference" (somehow) now, and perhaps be remembered for it (in some way) after our short time
ends. Ego? Maybe, but I prefer to think it is simply in our nature.
We are indeed like Elton John said, a "candle in the wind", in the greater scheme. How "should" we live our lives, knowing this fact?
JR