We all know our time here is limited.
But we don't know by how much.
Are we better off not knowing when we'll die?
Or would a countdown help us all
to lead happier and more fulfilling lives?
What if you knew
exactly when you were going to die?
What would you change about the way you live?
It's not a cheery subject.
Not too many people like to talk about it.
Not too many people like to think about it.
Some people joke about it, but,
that doesn't make it any easier.
Death!
There, I said it.
It's scary, but it also rouses our curiosity.
"You guys really are dead!"
We all know we're gonna go, but,
we don't know where we're going,
and we don't know when!
These unknowns
are the source of a lot of anxiety.
"Do you fear death?"
But should they be?
What if knowing the future date and time
of our deaths actually helped us...
how should I say this...
rest in peace?
Despite the fact that
a lot of people around the world
suffer from thanatophobia,
a technical term for the fear of dying,
there are several compelling reasons why
knowing when you're going to die
is better than not knowing.
In a series of research studies, psychologists
asked people with terminal illnesses,
and inmates on death row,
to reflect on life,
knowing that theirs would soon be over.
They then asked a separate group of people
to imagine what it would be like
if they knew they were going to die.
In every study, those who knew
they were about to die
spoke more positively about life and death
compared to those who presumably
had a lot longer to live.
The people who didn't know
when they were going to die
found it harder not to think about the negatives:
feelings of loss, meaninglessness, and,
missing out on all the things
they didn't get to see or do.
But the group who knew
exactly how much time they had left
found peace in reflecting
on their life's experiences and accomplishments.
They appreciated their family and close friends,
and the happy memories they'd
accumulated over their lifetime.
But imminent death isn't just a time to reflect.
For many people, it confirms that
we should all live life to the fullest!
Once we know
how little time we actually have left,
truisms like, "you only live once,"
wouldn't sound like clichés.
You'd want to use your time effectively,
doing the things that mattered most to you.
And depending on your bucket list,
the sky is the limit!
Would you leap from the edge of space?
Or plunge to the deepest parts of the ocean?
Would you endeavor to see
as much of the world as possible?
Would you seek out new flavors,
or intense thrills to remind you
of what it means to be alive?
Or is life simpler than that?
Maybe you'd choose to spend
more time with family and close friends.
Maybe you'd tell someone special
how they really make you feel.
"You complete me."
The possibilities and combinations
are endless,
and almost unique to
every person on this planet.
But you know that some people
would still strive to live beyond their time.
It's estimated that roughly 1,000 young women
move to Hollywood every month
to try their luck at becoming a star.
To a lot of people,
this might sound like an act of pure naiveté,
or glaring vanity. But,
research suggests that the drive for fame
is a little deeper than that.
For those who have a hard time
coping with their mortality,
becoming famous or
having a legacy is comforting,
knowing that their name and reputation
will live on in the world, even after they're gone.
Of course, there are also plenty of examples
of people who, facing imminent death,
have used their remaining time
to champion important issues
and inspire positive change.
But whether you think
you'd choose to become an activist,
a star, a daredevil, or at one with nature,
the important takeaway is:
start living!
You don't need to know how much time is left
to start thinking about what it is you want to do,
and to go out there and do it!
But if you think knowing would help,
scientists have had some success
predicting the probability of your death by
looking at various markers in your blood.
AI is also getting good at
determining the length of your lifespan.
The idea that we all die someday
is undoubtedly scary, but,
as Edward Abbey once wrote,
"The fear of death follows from
the fear of life.
One who lives life fully
is prepared to die at any time.”
So start ticking off the items
on your bucket list,
remember that love and kindness
go a long way,
think of ways you can
make the world a better place
and take on the challenge!
Make the most of your time because,
life is short.
And unpleasant as that may seem,
isn't it for the best?
Well, could you imagine what
the world would be like if nobody died?
That's a story for another WHAT IF.