Distractions ...

I hear it time and again - "It is the fact life is short that makes life so precious." "Death is why we must live to the fullest."

I must respectfully but strongly disagree.

I'm often appalled at the attitudes of others toward the general idea of life extension and toward serious thought, research and development given to technologies that may grant us not years but centuries to live. It is surprising how many among us would not want to live forever. It is their opinion that added years cheapen life by robbing it of what they claim gives it meaning - death. It is my opinion that only a life already and profoundly cheapened in one's own mind is further cheapened by added years. Their's is, primarily, love of death, not life. Such individuals seem even more opposed to granting liberty to others to pursue technologies to enable themselves longer lifespans. "How can you dilute the meaning of life", they say. To them, longer life somehow means a life devoid of wonder or surprise. It is my belief a life loved authentically and completely can only be increased in its wonders if given more time. There is far, far more to be experienced, loved and created than the breadth and depth of the present average lifespan allows. If one's passions are shallow and short-lived, perhaps a short life suits you. However, if one's passions seem to have no limit, additional life can mean only more time to express those passions and to discover new ones.

It is not the fact of our ultimate demise that makes life grand, it is life itself, its incredible adventure, its wondrous pleasures and pains, it loves and heartbreaks, its ecstasies, its rapture, its complexities and dynamics, its inexplicabilities that make it what it is. While one has life, one's focus must thoroughly be on life in all its intensities - and life alone. For the moment, it is true - we die - but the fact of our eventual death is an unnecessary and negative distraction from the task at hand - living. Let us live to the fullest because - and only because - we indeed have life. Let life be our only thought. Not a living moment ought to be given over to reflection on death nor should the treasure of life and fullest living be justified by the end of it. Reserve what moments of exploration, discovery, experience, thinking, feeling and creating you are granted solely for living.

Life is its own and only justification. Let today, let this moment be the last you give over to anything other. Deepen your passions and release them to breath. Neither a hundred nor a hundred thousand years will seem nearly enough - if life is your focus.