If we live wisely, that is, to live in pursuit
of worthwhile things, such as close knit family relationships, good
friendships, love, trust, compassion for our fellowman, and hold these things
close to our hearts, and live for these things, we have lived wisely and well,
as it is these things which bring us true happiness. It is unwise to live merely for the
"surface" things in life such as social position and wealth. These
things are merely trivial, and bring us only
temporary, meaningless pleasures.
To live our lives in this selfish shallow kind of way only ensures us a
lonely death. I don't believe this is
living well or wisely.
Ivan Ilich died as he lived. He lived a life where social status and
wealth were his priorities, he did not live fully, enjoying important things
which existed in his life, such as his family and friends. He was a selfish and shallow man, living totally in
pursuit of higher social standing, wealth, and the joy he obtained from playing
cards. As he was slowly dying, he
experienced a painful, lonely death. He
was not given the understanding and compassion which he so
needed during his illness and eventual
death. It makes sense to me that he died as he had lived, never giving love and
compassion to his family or fellow man, and this is how he died.
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