As Grim As It May Sound, Write Your Own Eulogy.

Summary

The article encourages readers to contemplate their own mortality and legacy by writing their eulogy, emphasizing the importance of living a life aligned with personal values and aspirations.

Abstract

The article, titled "As Grim As It May Sound, Write Your Own Eulogy," presents a reflective exercise that challenges individuals to envision their life's end and consider what they would like to be remembered for. Drawing on wisdom from Buddha and Bertolt Brecht, it suggests that by facing the concept of death without fear and with a focus on living wisely, one can shape a life of fulfillment and meaning. The author prompts readers to think about the age they wish to live to, the people they want by their side, and the accomplishments and values they hope to be celebrated for. The article advocates for using one's desired eulogy as a guiding principle for life, ensuring that each day is lived to the fullest, leading to a life without regrets, as inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius.

Opinions

The author believes that a well-lived life leads to a fearless acceptance of death.
It is suggested that individuals have the power to choose the significant aspects of their life and death, including the age at which they die, the company they keep, and the legacy they leave behind.
The article posits that the remembrance of one's life should be a celebration of adventures, values, and contributions rather than a somber occasion.
It emphasizes the importance of an "Ariadne's thread" – a guiding life principle derived from one's envisioned eulogy – to navigate life choices and ensure a meaningful existence.
The author quotes Bertolt Brecht to reinforce the idea that an inadequate life is more fearsome than death itself, encouraging readers to pursue a life of substance.
Marcus Aurelius' wisdom is invoked to inspire readers to live each day as if it were their last, aiming to reach the end of their lives with no regrets.

As Grim As It May Sound, Write Your Own Eulogy.

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely— Buddha

Picture taken by the author

Imagine you can project yourself to the last moments of your life. Imagine you decide when, who with and how it is. Maybe you are 82, maybe you are 107 or maybe you are 45 years old. Your choice. We all have different perspectives on when we would rather exit this plane of existence. Imagine you are surrounded by loved ones. Maybe it is friends, maybe family, or maybe colleagues. Your choice. We all have a different perspective on what a loved one consist of. Imagine they are talking to you, celebrating your life. Maybe they remember your adventures, maybe they mention your values, or maybe they discuss your greatest contributions. Your choice. We all have different perspectives on what a successful life looks like. Remember this though, this is not a sad moment. It is a celebration of your life.

Bertolt Brecht said: “Do not fear death so much but rather the inadequate life”.

So, on the last hour of your last day, what would you want people to say about you? What do you want them to remember? What learnings? What experiences? What memories? How will you have contributed to the world? How will you have impacted the ones closest to you? And the ones that were not that close? What impressive values will they mention? What amazing feats? What wonderful stories? What great accomplishments? What beautiful moments? Write it. Make it the Ariadne’s thread of your life. Today is a great day to ask yourself what you want people to say about you when you are 82, 107 or 45. Today is a great day to start truly living each day as if it was your last, reaching the actual last one with no regret because: “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live”. Thank you, Marcus Aurelius, for your wise words!