Embracing the Reality of Our Mortality
The book of Ecclesiastes presents a profound and often overlooked truth: accepting our own mortality is the first step in learning to truly live. The author, known as “the Preacher,” urges us to confront the reality of our own death and let it sink deeply into our hearts. This may seem like a morbid or depressing topic, but it’s actually a liberating and essential part of living a meaningful life.
The Futility of Trying to Escape Our Mortality
We spend a significant amount of energy trying to escape the constraints of our created condition. We play a game of “let’s pretend” – pretending that if we achieve certain things or acquire certain possessions, we’ll be able to cheat death and leave a lasting legacy. But this is just a delusion. We are finite creatures, subject to the limitations of time and space. We will die, and our attempts to escape this reality are ultimately futile.
The Rhythm of Life
The Preacher encourages us to look to the natural world for wisdom. The seasons come and go, each one a reminder of the cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth. This rhythm is built into the very fabric of creation, and it’s a pointer to what it means to be human. We are part of this cycle, and our lives are subject to the same patterns of growth and decay.
The Problem with Novelty
We have a deep-seated desire for novelty and change. We crave new experiences, new possessions, and new relationships. But this desire is ultimately unsatisfiable. As C.S. Lewis noted, “The horror of the Same Old Thing is one of the most valuable passions we have produced in the human heart.” We are never content with what we have, and we’re always looking for something new and exciting. But this pursuit of novelty is a recipe for disappointment and disillusionment.
The Freedom of Embracing Our Mortality
When we accept our own mortality, we’re freed from the need to constantly pursue novelty and change. We’re able to see that our lives are not about accumulating possessions or experiences, but about living in the present moment. We’re able to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and to find joy in the simple things. As the Preacher says, “There is no gain to be had under the sun, and that’s precisely the point. None need be sought.”
Conclusion
Embracing our own mortality is not a morbid or depressing topic, but a liberating and essential part of living a meaningful life. When we accept our own mortality, we’re freed from the need to constantly pursue novelty and change, and we’re able to find joy and contentment in the present moment. As the Preacher says, “If this depresses you, there’s still a lot to learn about why this is actually a freeing reality. But if it cracks a wry smile on your face, you’re halfway to happiness.”
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