Philosophy, the pursuit of understanding fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values, provides a lens through which we interpret the world. It’s like trying to decipher the meaning behind your cat’s incessant meowing or why your socks always seem to vanish into thin air in the laundry – except on a cosmic scale.
As I delve into the wisdom of two remarkable nonagenarians, Herbert Figarette and Dr. Edith Eger, I am struck by the profound differences in their perspectives, yet equally moved by the richness of their experiences. It’s like comparing the wisdom of a sage with the sassiness of a wise-cracking parrot – both fascinating, just in different ways.
Herbert Figarette, a 97-year-old philosopher, once believed that death was nothing to fear as death was the end; you simple ceased to exist. He probably pictured himself gracefully exiting stage left, waving to the audience as he departed this mortal coil. However, as he confronted his own mortality, he found himself in a bit of a pickle. Suddenly, the idea of ceasing to exist didn’t seem as appealing as it once did. It’s like ordering a pizza and realizing you forgot to ask for extra cheese – a bit disappointing, to say the least.
He shared a poignant anecdote about his late wife, with whom he shared over 70 years of companionship. It’s like they were the dynamic duo of wrinkled romance, navigating the ups and downs of life together like seasoned pros. Since her passing, her absence paradoxically filled his home, turning it into a veritable museum of memories. It’s like living in a house that’s part shrine, part time capsule – a unique blend of sentimental and slightly eerie vibes. And in his mind, she’s no longer in existence anywhere, which is kind of like misplacing your keys and convincing yourself they’ve spontaneously sprouted legs and gone off on a solo adventure.
Stepping into his yard, he would view the vibrant tapestry of life unfolding around him – the rustle of leaves, the songs of birds, and the gentle caress of the wind. It’s like nature decided to throw a grand party, complete with a leafy red carpet and chirping bird choirs, just to remind him that life goes on, whether he’s ready to join the party or not. In this symphony of existence, he marveled at the continuity of life around him as he faced his own annihilation. It’s like being the last slice of pizza at a party – everyone’s eyeing you, but you’re not sure if you’re ready to be devoured just yet.
Despite a lifetime of contemplation, Figarette admitted to feeling a sense of uncertainty as he awaited the inevitable. The day before he died, Fingarette uttered his final words shortly before his death when he looked up suddenly and said, “Well, that’s clear enough! Why don’t we see if we can go up and check it out?” Perhaps he was given a celestial open house tour before he took his leave – I would be curious about his final curtain call.
In stark contrast, Dr. Edith Eger’s story is like a Hollywood blockbuster, but with fewer explosions and more resilience. A Holocaust survivor, at age 96, she endured unimaginable horrors at Auschwitz, making the survival skills of a ninja seem like child’s play. Yet, instead of letting the Nazis ruin her, she emerged from the ordeal with a steadfast belief in the power of choice.
Eger’s mantra, “No one can take away from you what you’ve put in your mind,” is like a motivational poster on steroids. It’s the kind of wisdom that makes you want to stick it on your fridge and stare at it every time you reach for the ice cream – a reminder that you’re in control, even when life feels like it’s spinning out of control faster than a merry-go-round on caffeine.
Through her memoirs and teachings, she’s basically the Yoda of resilience, imparting invaluable lessons on bouncing back from life’s curveballs with grace and grit. It’s like she’s handing out survival guides to the universe, one inspirational quote at a time. So, next time you’re feeling down in the dumps, just remember: if Dr. Eger can conquer Auschwitz and still have a killer sense of humor, you can conquer anything life throws your way.
Eger’s principles resonate with me so much, It’s like she’s speaking directly to my inner sloth, motivating me to get off the couch and tackle life with the enthusiasm of a puppy chasing its tail. She outlines these principles in her book The Gift – 12 Lessons to Save Your Life:
- We may not control our circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.
- Resilience: Worry is futile; instead, focus on finding strength in adversity.
- Living in the Present: Let go of regrets and live fully in the present moment.
- Language Matters: Avoid absolutist language and embrace flexibility in thought.
- Leading by Example: Be a role model for others, especially children, through actions rather than words.
- Gender Equality: Reject stereotypes and embrace equality in all aspects of life.
- Humanity First: Beyond roles and titles, prioritize our shared humanity.
- Empathy: Practice compassionate listening and avoid invalidating others’ experiences.
- Embracing Change: Age should never limit our aspirations; seize every opportunity for growth.
- Kindness: Let kindness guide our words and actions in all interactions.
- Gratitude: Celebrate the gift of each moment, cherishing the memories shared with loved ones.
- Freedom of Choice: Our greatest freedom lies in our ability to choose our response to life’s challenges.
As we reflect on the profound differences of these two nonagenarians, we are reminded of the richness of human experience and the myriad ways in which we navigate life’s challenges. Through gratitude and resilience, we find solace amidst uncertainty, embracing each moment as a gift to be cherished. And let’s face it, life’s quirks and curveballs make for some pretty entertaining stories at the end of the day.
May we be inspired to cultivate gratitude in our lives, illuminating our journey with meaning and purpose. As we navigate the complexities of existence, let’s draw strength from the experiences and views of others and forge ahead with resilience and gratitude as our guiding lights – and as laughter is the best medicine, why not throw in a few giggles along the way? Let’s turn life’s obstacles into punchlines and see if we can’t laugh our way through the rough patches. Who knows, we might just stumble upon the secret to happiness amidst all the hilarity!
Have a wonderful week my friends!
