The Art of Living and Dying Well

We risk being consumed by a system that values existence over essence, survival over meaning.

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For decades, many of us live as if caught in a perpetual race. Whether we accept the terms of this race or resist them, its influence shapes our lives. Success is measured in titles, possessions, and achievements, while failure is feared as falling behind. Yet, as we approach the later stages of life, this race — so consuming for so long — begins to lose its grip. Suddenly, it ends, not with fanfare but with silence, leaving us with the haunting question: What should truly drive our lives?

This question transcends the practicalities of productivity or the anxieties of ambition. It requires us to reflect deeply on the essence of a meaningful existence, to consider what lies beyond the worldly measures we have pursued or avoided. For many, this reflection arrives too late, as the race consumes decades of energy, leaving little time or space to imagine life beyond its boundaries.

The Crisis of Modern Aging

In aging societies like Japan, the consequences of this unexamined race are becoming starkly visible. Elderly care facilities, appearing to provide comfort and…