Is it weird that I think about death at my age?

[Brighty]

Not in that pity-party emo sense, but lately I've been thinking about my life and how I can leave a legacy behind that will help inspire people long after I'm gone - I want to leave a lasting impression on the world. I don't expect to die anytime soon, but my ultimate goal in life is to be able to pass on something more than just my genetics and I find myself thinking about ways to accomplish that. I'm 20 years old, back home for the summer, and as I was discussing with relatives at dinner last night about what defines success and what my life aspirations are, my mom ended up flipping her **** (in a composed way, after all, we had company) about why in the world I should be even concerned with something like that at my age (the 'leaving a legacy' part, not the aspirations).

I dunno, I always have had high aspirations for my life and goals (some of which require longterm thinking), but given the reaction of some of the older people there it made me wonder. At a passing glance, you'd probably assume that I was just your average extroverted college guy who loved to party, meet women, and have a good time, but I've always thought about things and made plans that some of my peers would consider "too mature" for my age (well maybe that's the wrong word, but they certainly wouldn't concern themselves with thinking things like that, they'd rather live in the now entirely). So it makes me wonder, is this kind of thinking healthy? It's not obsessive by any means, but its frequent enough to remind me of my purpose in life and what I strive to achieve. But is being reminded of my own mortality and that my life doesn't go on forever a negative thing at my age when I should just be studying, getting drunk, and having copious amounts of sex? Don't get me wrong, I still indulge in that kind of lifestyle, but for some reason it almost is just getting boring for me now (how fvcked up is that? I would kill to be in my position 3 years ago back when I was an AFC), like there's more to my life than this. I don't think this mindset is unhealthy to be having at my age personally, but then again if I was that 100% positive of that I wouldn't be coming to you guys for your thoughts.

I don't see this mindset being something that would potentially depress me in the long-term. I'm a really positive person and it takes an incredible amount of adversity to make me feel depressed, and the handful of times I've actually been depressed in my life its never a suicidal depression. Hell, I don't think I've ever really had a suicidal thought, unless you count my mentality "I'm going to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a director or die trying" suicidal.

Just curious as to what your guys' thoughts are; this forum always has had some really enlightening perspectives and viewpoints.

 

[Rogue]

No, there's nothing weird about it. It's good to contemplate these deep philosophical issues and how best to make the most out of the life you have. People wonder what's the meaning of life and I think the answer is it's the meaning you give it, through being a good person and the life you build yourself. I'm an existentialist and existentialism is about being responsible for your life and holding authentic views of reality.

There's a rather intriguing and thought-provoking lecture series on academicearth.org about the philosophy of death, which you might want to check out.

 

[Sir Psycho Sexy]

I want to leave a lasting impression on the world. I don't expect to die anytime soon, but my ultimate goal in life is to be able to pass on something more than just my genetics and I find myself thinking about ways to accomplish that.

You want to leave a lasting impression on the world? I use to often entertain that thought.

So what if you do something amazing in your lifetime? You get your name written down in history for everyone to learn about.

But do you remember all those hundreds and thousands of names of "famous" men and women in your history book in high school? I sure dont. Neither does anyone else expect for maybe your history teacher. And so what if he remembers their names, at the end of the day hes living his life and doesnt honestly care about George Washington, Adolf Hitler, Sitting Bull, and Einstein.

Everyone is forgotten because everyone is insignificant. Everyone is dust in the wind. Just do what makes you happy and appreciate the time you have.

**these thoughts your having are actually common for someone in early adulthood. The real world is big and scarey and until now you havent really confronted your own personal mortality.

 

[Brighty]

You want to leave a lasting impression on the world? I use to often entertain that thought.

So what if you do something amazing in your lifetime? You get your name written down in history for everyone to learn about.

But do you remember all those hundreds and thousands of names of "famous" men and women in your history book in high school? I sure dont. Neither does anyone else expect for maybe your history teacher. And so what if he remembers their names, at the end of the day hes living his life and doesnt honestly care about George Washington, Adolf Hitler, Sitting Bull, and Einstein

That's not entirely true, I admire all of those names you listed (save for Adolf Hitler) and recognized as exceptional men and rolemodels for success, and I'm fascinated with how they came to be such great men. However, I could care less if my name is written down in the history books, what I mean by making a lasting impression is doing something that will inspire thousands of people, that will help benefit those people in some way, shape, or form so that they can improve their lives. I don't need any real recognition from that, I just want to kick the bucket with the satisfaction that I wasn't just another man that came and went through this world without making so much as a ripple - that I gave back to the world and that it's now slightly better in whatever small way because of it.

 

[5string]

Brighty

Maybe organize and run a charity that nobody has ever thought of?

 

[Forty0ztoFreedom]

Honestly, at your age it seems like there's a big storyline to life. You're in college, you'll be graduating in 2 years . . It all seems like this big grandiose thing you can mold and shape.

Years from now when you realize life kind of just goes on and spins its wheels, these thoughts sort of fade. You'll be much more concerned with where you're gonna be in 1 year, not 100.

 

[penkitten]

i think it's perfectly natural for everyone to question their own mortality at least once in their lifetime... especially when you are coming to terms of adulthood and starting to make a foundation for yourself.
however, if you contemplate taking your own life or fear that you have questions that need to be addressed... i would seek help.
it is one thing to think about the meaning of life and how it applies to your own life (why you are here and what you should do with your life) as opposed to needing serious help.

with that being said, to the original poster, hopefully you can take your thoughts and experiences and build yourself one hell of a foundation to have a truly wonderful life.