I often wonder when I hear someone say it is. If you live a good length of time, isn't 80 years quite a long time?
Or is it because the peak of our powers (20 - 50) is such a small window that whizzes by with kids etc.?
Have you ever missed out on something because life isn't allowing you the time?
Life is what you make of it, as for growing too old, personally I dont want to live to the point I am a burden on anyone, I also dont want to die too young too I reckon 80-90 is a good innings
Yeah but plenty more fish in the sea as they say
For me I'd like to go once I've reached either physical or mental breakdown to the point I can't have any form of fulfilling or meaningful life - in effect a burdon on those around me. I'm also a bit of a selfish coward so if I was diagnosed with some disease that meant a drawn out painful death I think I'd rather go to Dignitas and cut the "drawn out painful death" bit out.
Life's too short not to live it and do the things you want and need to make you happy.
But life's too long to make stupid, short-sighted decisions that you may come to regret.
There is a balance, or so I'm told...
It is a pity that we have to spend so much of the 'peak of our powers' bit working!
I recently heard someone say something in our conversation so simple as to be easily missed , but it was to do something now and again that made you feel ALIVE (!)
Whether that be god or bad (or naughty ), your mileage may vary...but it's very true.
You get some people who tend to live a very cautious, safe life.
Take risks and have fun.
Well i may be a reincarnation - i often have disturbing dreams about Attilla the Hun and burning villages.
Apropos these forums, i do have the deluxe version with what I call a "Search" facility, so length of membership is irrelevent when it comes to me making these sweeping statements.
I remember reading a book in school called Tuck Everlasting and the main character decided not to drink from a spring that made her live for ever for this particular reason.
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You would probably get bored of it, try having steak every night for a month!
As my grand-dad used to say, "I wish that I could start my life again, knowing what I know now!" I reckon that life is too short if you haven't enjoyed it and if you have!
Mike
it is when you suddenly realise you only have five minutes to live
Good luck everybody. Have a good one.
Had a heart attack four years ago, am now 51, so if I hadn't survived it ,I guess I would have thought that life was too short !
John Wyndham covered this topic very nicely in Trouble with Lichen.
Mike.
Reminds me of the old story about the middle aged man who went to the Doctor and asked for a checkup because he was worried that he wouldn't make it to a ripe old age of 80 or so.
The Doc asked "Do you smoke?"
"No" came the reply.
"Do you drink?"
"No".
"Do you go out to good restaurants and eat lots of delicious, rich and tasty meals?"
"No, never."
"Do you chase women and shag the arses off them?"
"No, of course not...what do you take me for!"
Finally the Doc shakes his head and says "Then what the fuck do you want to live to 80 for then!!!!!"