Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Inevitable

I think most people operate under the assumption they're immortal, that is, they put the inevitable out of their thoughts. What's scary is thinking about the inevitable--not after, but during the passing. I suppose much of the physical process is automatic and uninteresting, except for the pain of course, but the awareness of the finality of everything, of never having another chance to right wrongs or accomplish good work must be the worst part.

Dismissing the fairy tale of Heaven gives Death fangs. One understands that the end is the end. Nothing awaits. One ceases to be. Material possessions are parceled out to survivors. Much gets thrown into the garbage. Choice bits wind up in antique stores. One is soon forgotten, just like everybody else.

Fate seems random. Some people, even no-good villains like Zimbabwe's tyrant, Mugabe, live to be eighty-odd, while others get cheated out of the average allotment of seventy-odd or eighty-odd years.

I'm not determined to drink life to the dregs, but would prefer a slightly early exit, with the emphasis on 'slightly'. I'd prefer to bow out around eighty or so, before mental deterioration overwhelms my ability to make a final decision. I fear the later stages of senility worse than any physical ailment.
by igor 04:20 4 replies by igor 09:32 0 comments

No comments:

techlorebyigor is my personal journal for ideas & opinions