Joe, I just now read this. I dealt with Covid the entire month of August. At least this time we can test for it, and we have vaccines and treatment. We had none of that the first time I had it in November of 2020.
I am enjoying life. I will soon be 78, I never thought I would live so long. My father didn’t, and he was the strongest, largest, smartest, and wisest person I ever knew. He was almost mythical and he never saw 60. A peculiar thing, memories, I have no memories of him other than as a man 20 years younger than I am now. It is a strange way to see your father. He lived life to the fullest and I try to do so as well.
Yes, I agree. As noted, Nature will have the last word, and Nature is omnipotent. There is a place in life for what we might frame as "stoic resignation." We need to make peace with the inevitable and what we cannot change. A road to tranquility.
A welcome and honest piece! I’m a few years older than you, and have embraced death in the Stoic spirit of amor fati. I cannot embrace extended suffering of anyone at any age. I am for end-of-life choice, not that will be a norm in my time. I am comfortable with my life, and with facing its end. Like yours, it’s been meaningful and has deliberately changed the negative trajectory of a number of lives. I find that focusing on a small number of goals rather than, say, changing the world has been more satisfying and definitely more achievable. It also has a nice ripple effect in society. My few thoughts in no way offset Philip Roth’s sharp observation that “old age is a massacre.” And so it goes. Take comfort in knowing you have helped many, still enjoy much, and can focus on meaningful things. AMOR FATI.
Joe, I just now read this. I dealt with Covid the entire month of August. At least this time we can test for it, and we have vaccines and treatment. We had none of that the first time I had it in November of 2020.
I am enjoying life. I will soon be 78, I never thought I would live so long. My father didn’t, and he was the strongest, largest, smartest, and wisest person I ever knew. He was almost mythical and he never saw 60. A peculiar thing, memories, I have no memories of him other than as a man 20 years younger than I am now. It is a strange way to see your father. He lived life to the fullest and I try to do so as well.
Godspeed.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
I much prefer your approach to declining years when the end is thrust upon us.
You continue to promote living to our full extent but without the rage and torment
that certainly would lead to depletion of enthusiasm for living.
Fondly, from a 77-year old.
Yes, I agree. As noted, Nature will have the last word, and Nature is omnipotent. There is a place in life for what we might frame as "stoic resignation." We need to make peace with the inevitable and what we cannot change. A road to tranquility.
Thanks for your perspective. I share your concerns and hope to focus on the NOW as well.
A welcome and honest piece! I’m a few years older than you, and have embraced death in the Stoic spirit of amor fati. I cannot embrace extended suffering of anyone at any age. I am for end-of-life choice, not that will be a norm in my time. I am comfortable with my life, and with facing its end. Like yours, it’s been meaningful and has deliberately changed the negative trajectory of a number of lives. I find that focusing on a small number of goals rather than, say, changing the world has been more satisfying and definitely more achievable. It also has a nice ripple effect in society. My few thoughts in no way offset Philip Roth’s sharp observation that “old age is a massacre.” And so it goes. Take comfort in knowing you have helped many, still enjoy much, and can focus on meaningful things. AMOR FATI.
Many thanks, Francesca, for your perceptive thoughts on a sensitive topic. No doubt, Nietzsche and Camus are smiling!
Joe:
I, for one, am glad that you are not "the one last standing".
This essay is truly food for thought. Thanks. Fay
Many thanks, Fay. I am not yet the last, and I hope not to be. Wishing you well - and personal peace!