On Mortality

Thoughts about our morality shouldn’t depress us. Rather, it should energize us to make the most of the life we have.

As I age and friends around me deal with physical challenges far worse than I’ve yet experienced, mortality is on my mind lately. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not afraid of my inevitable demise. These aren’t morbid thoughts. Rather, I see it as a staring into the face of obvious reality.

What comes to mind is a quote attributed to Marcus Aurelius, “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” Maybe I’m letting the truth that my presence on this mortal plane is temporary guide me in terms of what I now do, say, and think.

The milestone of 70 years of age approaching next year might also be part of why my mind mulls over death. Hmm. Death. That word is so much more final that all the euphemisms we ascribe to it. But it is ultimately death that we all face, sooner or later. No one gets off this planet alive.

I don’t believe we go to a better place. I gave up the notion of an afterlife long ago. The concept of soul as a continuing entity would be comforting if I believed it. But I don’t. Many do and I gladly allow them that comfort. Maybe they’re correct about all that. But I oddly find comfort in death being final in the absolute sense of the word.