The culture doesn't encourage you to think about such things until you're about to die. We're so wrapped up with egotistical things, career, family, having enough money, meeting the mortgage, getting a new car, fixing the radiator when it breaks-- we're so involved in trillions of little acts just to keep going. So we don't get into the habit of standing back and looking at our lives and saying, is this all? Is this all I want? Is something missing?
The quote reflects how society often distracts individuals with daily responsibilities and material pursuits, leaving little room for introspection about the deeper meaning of life. People become consumed by their careers, family obligations, and financial issues, prioritizing these over contemplative thought. This relentless focus on mundane tasks can lead to a sense of disconnection from what truly matters.
Only when faced with mortality do individuals tend to pause and question their lives, prompting thoughts about fulfillment and purpose. Questions arise, such as whether they are satisfied with their existence or if they are missing something essential. This highlights the importance of fostering a culture that encourages reflection and prioritization of meaningful experiences rather than merely functioning day-to-day.