We've all heard the timeless saying: "Life is short, cherish your time and do what you truly love." Despite encountering this phrase frequently, I've rarely taken the time to delve into its true meaning. In this post, I aim to articulate my reflections on this expression, particularly addressing questions like: "Is life genuinely short?" and "If not, what do people truly mean?"
Let's tackle the initial query: "Is life really short?" While 'short' is a relative term, assuming an average lifespan of 75 years – a reasonable approximation for many – those 75 years do not appear inherently 'short.' Yet, the concept of 'shortness' remains subjective. Consider watching your favorite movie, perhaps Nolan's masterpiece, "Batman: The Dark Knight." Those two hours effortlessly slip away. Conversely, imagine enduring a tedious class for the same duration, and suddenly, those two hours feel interminable.
From my perspective, interpreting the phrase "Life is short" doesn't hinge on a numerical comparison but rather on life's finite nature. I don't view life as short due to a limited number of years but because I only live through each life phase once. Specifically, I experience high school uniquely, creating lasting memories with friends. I undergo a period when my parents are healthy only once, and if I have children in the future, I'll encounter the stage when they're young and believe in the magic of Santa Claus, witnessing the enchantment in their eyes as they unwrap Christmas presents.
In conclusion, if asked about my perspective on the saying "Life is short," I'd express it this way: "Indeed, life is short, but not in the conventional sense that most of us assume."