In a conversation with my daughter, I mentioned that we humans are alive, usually, no more than about 100 years, give or take. I stated my opinion that that is not a very long time. She replied," A hundred years is a very long time!"
Such is the perspective of the young. The older I get, the faster time seems to go by. Now, I know I am in the second, or last, part of life. I expect I'll live to around 90, given my family history. So I have a few good decades left. How shall I spend it? What is really important, after all? Must we spend our time, or direct our efforts to, doing something important or good for others? Is it enough to just enjoy our time on Earth? Is that a life well spent?
Truly, if we all did only that (that is, enjoy ourselves), where would we be? Of course, everyone defines enjoyment differently. I imagine some people, perhaps inventors of importance, or spiritual leaders, derive enjoyment from their work. But is that the purpose? Do they do it for the enjoyment of it? In that case, is it okay to simply enjoy whatever I am doing, even if it does not necessarily contribute to a greater good? Or is it selfish?
I guess the answer lies in the shades of grey. I can do both. I just have to find a way.
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