A long life is supposed to be associated with the most wonderful dreams of endless discovery and learning. However, these dreams could carry the grave burdens of seeming boredom, heartbreaking survival beyond loved ones lost, and difficult questions of how to allocate dwindling resources.

Longevity may deepen the texture of life, but it may also numb life’s urgency. Perhaps the true essence of life is not to be found in duration, but in intensity and purpose.

Living long is not just adding years to one’s life, but adding life to those years.