Around 8 billion people live in the world today. You could say there are over eight billion reasons to find motivation in life. The biggest unsolved question for humanity is:
Why are we here?
All 8 billion people can have their answers to that at a certain time in their lives.
Religious groups may say our purpose is to serve God or a higher power. So, we should live well and follow the scriptures. This way, we can reach heaven and avoid hell. Scientists argue that our purpose is to move humanity forward. So, we should focus on advancing our knowledge and technology. Historians may say we are here to adapt, live, and make space for the next society, empire, or generation.
We can each have countless answers about our existence and motivation. Our answers depend on our backgrounds, the society we live in, and our family, friends, and experiences.
If you come from a wealthy family, you might want to outdo your parents or keep what you have. If you are born into a poor family, the motivation can be to break the chain of poverty in your family. If you are born into extreme poverty and hardship, your main motivation can be survival.
As we grow, we find many motivations in life. These can include getting better cars, nicer houses, stylish clothes, and travelling. We may also want to create families, advance our careers, and help others.
Other goals might be losing weight, being healthy, looking good, gaining fame, and having money. Both long-term and short-term motivations shape how we feel, think, say, and act.
But neither of these reasons should drive your life. Death should. The fact that no matter what you do, want, achieve, or fail, you will die. No matter what country, region, religion, or group you are coming from, you will die. The fact that you don’t know when and how you will die.
Death is life’s biggest motivation. It’s such a strong force that it can paralyse some people into depression. Many become so afraid of it that they forget to think about it at all.
Marcus Aurelius, one of the top five emperors of Rome, wrote his well-known journal, Meditations.
“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do, say, and think.”
The emperor of the world’s mightiest empire thinks about death. This shows how strong the fear of death can be. He thought about death and realised that he needed reminders of how to feel, what to think, what to say, and what to do.
Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, said in his famous commencement speech at Stanford that
“When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it were your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
I lost three friends around my age in ways that caused deep heartbreak. I felt connected to the words of Steve Jobs and Marcus Aurelius during those tough times.
The first friend passed away in his sleep at home, surrounded by a sense of calm. He had no medical issues, illnesses, or accidents. He was someone I studied with in high school and university. Someone who had so many ambitions and plans, hard-working, charming, and very humble. I always tell myself I could be next, any time.
The second friend died after saying he had stomach pain all afternoon. When taken to hospital, they said nothing was wrong; two hours later, he passed away. He planned to marry next month. He also ran a successful stationery business at the University of Dar es Salaam. That can be you next, anytime with any pain that you feel.
My third friend, who was fine during the day, started complaining of pain in the evening. They took him to the hospital, but he died before he could reach it. I studied with him at university. He had a great job at an international bank. Plus, he has got married a few months ago. That can be any one of us.
Knowing that death is near should inspire you. It’s a reason to avoid laziness, stop procrastinating, and steer clear of wrongdoing. Don’t hurt others or give up. Instead, take smart risks and always do your best.
Understanding that death can come at any time should inspire you to be a good person. It encourages humility, gratitude for what you have, and a desire to help others. Also, it reminds you to be mindful and make a positive impact on your society.
Realising that you could die at any moment should push you to work harder. Put in long hours and don’t give up after failure. Focus on making your dreams a reality in this short, uncertain life.
Remember life by reflecting on death. Visit cemeteries, attend funerals, and read scriptures about mortality. Instead of feeling afraid or sad, let these reminders inspire you. Live with intensity and embrace this brief, uncertain gift.
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you be free from suffering.
May you find peace and joy.
If you have learnt something, share with someone you care
#iThinkSo
Rogers Katuma
Financial Artist, Senior Adventurer, Occasional Storyteller and an Amateur Golfer
