Let's face it: the thought of our own mortality can be terrifying. But here's a different perspective - what if life is a precious gift, and every moment is inherently valuable, regardless of how 'grand' our achievements may seem?
The Fear of Death and Our Quest for Legacy
Ernest Becker, an anthropologist, argued in his book 'The Denial of Death' that our fear of mortality drives us to seek symbolic immortality. In pre-modern times, religion offered literal immortality through the belief in an eternal soul. However, as society evolved, we had to find new ways to cope with our mortality.
The Rise of Symbolic Immortality
In the modern era, the concept of 'symbolic immortality' emerged. This idea suggests that we can achieve a sense of immortality through our actions and contributions to society. The Industrial Revolution and globalization further fueled this belief, as philosophers argued that our actions are good if they create 'the greatest happiness for the greatest number.'
The Pressure of Superlative Lives
This pursuit of symbolic immortality has led to a culture where we feel the need to lead 'superlative lives' - lives that are extraordinary and leave a lasting legacy. While this promise of participating in the 'great forever' is comforting, it also creates immense pressure. There's an underlying belief that our lives are meaningless unless we're engaged in a heroic quest.
An Alternative View: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux offers an alternative approach. She believed in a 'Little Way' of goodness, focusing on infusing every action and word with pure love. She compared people to flowers, suggesting that while some want to be showy roses, she was content to be a simple flower at the feet of Jesus.
Saint Thérèse's theology struck a chord with many, as it challenged the idea that we must do the most good possible. Her approach emphasizes the value of deep, meaningful connections and the beauty of living a life well-lived, regardless of scale.
Finding Balance in Modern Life
In our modern world, we have the privilege of considering both scale and other dimensions of value. Extreme perspectives, like the utilitarian focus on doing the most good or the monastic focus on deep contemplation, often lead to regret.
When considering your career and impact, it's important to find a balance. You don't need to obsess over finding a career that allows you to do 'the most good.' However, doing 'more good' is certainly worthwhile if it aligns with your values and allows you to enjoy life's other precious aspects, like art and relationships.
Embracing Life's Gifts
Ultimately, life is a gift, and every moment is precious. We don't need to strive for something 'grand' to make our lives worthwhile. By embracing this view, we can appreciate the extraordinary nature of life itself and share its goods with others, not out of fear, but out of gratitude for the talents and resources we've been given.
And this is the part most people miss - it's not about achieving a grand legacy; it's about living a life that's truly meaningful to you, and sharing that meaning with others.
