Live as if we'll live forever.

Carpe Diem. Most people take this to mean that we should live everyday as if it were our last. But, for you, dear reader, and billions of others around the world that is not the case. Most of us will live another day; in fact, very likely many days. To live as if it were our last day on this planet would most certainly encourage hedonistic activities and cause us more harm than good. Clearly, this is not a good way to go about our daily lives.

But we know that our end is inevitable. In that case, why should we live as if were immortal? I believe this is the most virtuous way to live. Think about it. Forever is a long time. What would you do differently if you knew you were going to live forever? Would you take better care of yourself? What would your relationships be like? What would you do? How would you treat the environment?

I have given some thought to these questions. Here are my answers: I would eat healthier and exercise more. After all, I wouldn't want to spend forever in a dilapidated body, unable to do the things I would want. I would love more, hold no grudges and shun jealously. I would do things everyday that makes me happy because that would give me reason to go another day without wanting to shoot myself. I would take better care of the environment since that is where I will be spending the rest of my life.

Most of your life you are alive and one day you are dead. Would you like to be healthy most of your life, full of love, doing things you enjoy, in an environment that supports your happiness? Because when you are dead, nothing else will matter. So, live as if you'll live forever.

​This is the beginning of a line of thought that has been bubbling in my head for a while. It is not perfect... yet, but I will continue to nurture, contemplate and grow it. I have posted this much to see what others may think of this idea and solicit feedback to see if there are any holes in it (which I will attempt to address). If you have your own thoughts on this idea, please post in the comments below. I would love to hear them.