Summary

The article contemplates how the knowledge of one's predetermined death date, or the possibility of immortality, might influence life choices, relationships, and personal fulfillment.

Abstract

The author reflects on the hypothetical scenario where the date of death is known, exploring how this knowledge might reshape life's priorities and experiences at different ages. From childhood to old age, the piece imagines a life free from the fear of death, where choices are made based on passion and joy rather than longevity or societal expectations. The narrative suggests that knowing the timing of one's death could lead to a more present and fulfilled existence, with a heightened appreciation for relationships, physical pleasures, and personal interests. The concept of immortality is also considered, proposing that eternal life would inspire a detachment from material wealth and a deeper connection with others and the world.

Opinions

If life duration were known, childhood might be spent pursuing personal interests rather than conforming to parental or educational pressures.
In early adulthood, the focus would shift to love and physical pleasures, such as enjoying diverse culinary experiences and maintaining an active sex life without body image concerns.
Mid-life could be characterized by adventurous travel, profound philosophical discussions, and a fearless approach to living.
Approaching old age, the emphasis would be on contentment from a life well-lived, cherishing solitude, and maintaining social connections.
With immortality, the author posits a life driven by experiences and relationships rather than the pursuit of wealth or status, and a continued appreciation for the simple joys of life, including sex, nature, and learning.

A Life of Chocolate, Sex, and Other Glorious Joys

What if you knew when (and if) you would die?

I’m intrigued by Marcus’s prompt this week:

Imagine if you will, a world in which we accept that the date of death, but not the how, is determined before you were born. How would that “truth” affect you, your thinking, and actions?

I am adding the possibility that I don’t die at all… to see if there is a difference.

If I would live until I was 10 years old

As a child, part of our world is determined by the home we live in and what is expected of us from our parents. Imagine how different this might be?

How would my parents act? Would they be concerned about me completing all of my homework for school? Would they worry if I ate too much sugar? Would they get mad at me if my room was messy?

Perhaps my schooling would be focused on whatever I was interested in. Maybe I would spend my time researching, grooming, and riding horses. I would learn to paint with the artist down the road. Maybe my friends and I would create dramatic productions that we would perform for our friends and families.

Maybe I would relax and enjoy time reading my favourite books over and over again. Maybe we would have “game nights” where we would play cards and games as a family.

I think I would hear the words, “What would you love to do today?” more… and I would seriously consider the question and answer honestly.

If I would live 30 years

I would marry for love and do incredibly fun things together. I would make love as often as possible. I would leave when it wasn’t loving. Perhaps I would marry as often as possible for the sheer joy of it!

I would eat all of my favourite foods (mostly chocolate) and love my body no matter what. I would not think that I was too skinny or too fat. I would just love that I had a body to play in.

I would do all the things with my body that I loved. If I loved to run, I would run. If I loved to swim, I would swim. If I loved to lie on the beach doing nothing at all, then that would be me.

I would read philosophy and discuss it with my friends. I would pour over ancient texts that teach us how to experience the depth of each moment. I would explore the inner portals of silence and really find the really juicy stuff that is hiding within.

If I would live 50 years

My friend used to have a bumper sticker that said “Fear or Faith — make your choice”. Oh, how I would choose faith. There would be no room for fear. Only room to close my eyes, jump, and truly live!

I would travel the world with nothing but a backpack, meet exotic people, swim in warm seas, eat amazing foods, and have a lover in every port.

Oh, the sex I would have. All ages, sizes, and shapes! We would make enough love that the frequency of the world would elevate a little bit with every groan and pleasure.

Yes… just so much sex!!

If I would live until 90

I have always had this vision — that I was going to live until I was 93. In my vision, I am sitting in a little room with a bed, a desk, and a small lamp. I live on the second floor above a public place somewhere.

I am happy having enjoyed a life well-lived. I have many friends and continue to make them. I enjoy the world and its people. But I also spend much time enjoying the solitude and quiet of my own heart.

I have done everything that I have ever wanted to do. Nothing has been left undone. The answer has always been “yes”… and now I can rest and smile at the wonderful life I have lived.

I am Immortal

Curiously, when I know that I am immortal, I have even fewer attachments to the trappings of life. I know that the systems will rise and fall. I know that ideas will come and go with the fashions. I know that people will be born and die many times and I will meet the same people over and over again.

And so, without attachment, I must find other reasons to be. I must find other ways of enjoying my life beyond the accumulation of wealth or status.

I imagine the joys will come from the richness of relating with others. It will be the wonderful experiences we have when two people open their hearts to each other and a magical chemical reaction happens.

I imagine deepening my connection with the world around me and with the wisdom of the silence within. This would be my greatest reality. This would be a constant for all time.

I would still love sunrises, trees, and puppies.

My world will be filled with all the things I have already mentioned: studying what I love, eating delicious things, and doing what I love.

Oh, and the sex… just so much sex!!

Thanks to Marcus for this wonderful prompt that gives me a little more joy to ponder in my day… and to 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘊. for your wonderful community with all of these great prompts!! ❤️