Modern Wisdom

#568 - Dean Rickles - How To Deal With The Shortness Of Life

51 snips
Dec 22, 2022
Dean Rickles, Professor of Philosophy and History of Modern Physics at the University of Sydney, delves into profound insights about life's brevity. He discusses how the fear of death can overshadow our existence and why keeping options open may lead to missed opportunities. Rickles explores the importance of intentional living, the impact of social media on identity, and how memories shape who we are. He encourages embracing life's shortness by aligning passions with actions, reminding us to cherish the journey rather than just the destination.
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INSIGHT

Natural Lifespan

  • Human memory seems optimized for a lifespan of roughly 100-120 years.
  • Limits on memory and self-coherence suggest there is a natural, biological lifespan for the 'self'.
INSIGHT

Shortness of Life

  • Seneca argued that life isn't short, but people waste it.
  • Dean Rickles thinks life's shortness is essential for meaning and decision-making.
ADVICE

Avoid Provisionality

  • Avoid living provisionally, always waiting for the 'real thing'.
  • Embrace commitment and decision-making.
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