Reflections on Mortality

Recognition of our mortality can make us aware of the fragility of human existence and induces a sense of pleasure in the simple joy of being alive. The consequences of that awareness and sense of pleasure are vividly depicted in Nikos Kazantzakis’ marvelous book, Zorba the Greek. Very earthy, very human, possessed of a tremendous spirituality, Zorba with all of his being says “Yes!” to life. He is consumed with a tremendous vitality, a burning desire to experience all that life has to offer. One incident in Kazantzakis’ book offers a classic summary of Zorba’s philosophy of life. He tells about going into a little village and seeing a ninety-year-old grandfather planting an almond tree. He questions the old man, “What, granddad! Planting an almond tree?” The elderly man says, “My son, I carry on as if I should never die.” Zorba replies, “And I carry on as if I was going to die any minute.” I am not saying that we cannot live wonderful lives without coming to terms with our mortality. I am saying that, when we recognize that life is incredible finite and fragile, it sharpens our appreciation of the exquisite nature of our existence and propels us to live even more fully and wonderfully. As Kübler-Ross suggests, “It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth—and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up—that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.” Our authors conclude that the key to vibrant living is not to live as fast as we can but rather to live as meaningfully as we can. What does that entail? It requires those of us in our western culture to relinquish our insane desire to acquire wealth, fame, and power as a means of denying our mortality. It means slowing down, re-arranging our priorities, and paying more attention to the ultimate source of human meaning: relationships. All the possessions and accolades in the world will not produce the joy experienced through laughing with friends, working and playing with our families, or joining others in helping those in need. As for me and my personal search for meaning, it has been the receiving and giving of unconditional love that, in the words of Loren Eiseley, “sounds down across the years and tingles among the cups on my quiet breakfast table.”