Breakdown:
- The Core of Society’s Function:
- Everything that happens in our society is influenced by one core factor: the fear of death. Many societal structures, behaviors, and norms are designed to distract us from acknowledging our mortality.
- Aging, for example, is resisted and even feared because it serves as a reminder that death is inevitable.
- Avoidance of Mortality:
- Society is structured to prevent us from confronting the one absolute truth: that we will die. The vast majority of cultural practices, media, and industries—from beauty to entertainment—are meant to keep us from thinking about the finite nature of life.
- The only certainty we have is death. Everything else is filled with endless possibilities, uncertainties, and ambiguities, but death remains the one unavoidable truth.
- Finite Time and Changing Perspectives:
- If people truly embraced the fact that they have a limited number of summers left—whether it be 1, 10, or 30—it would shift their priorities.
- The realization of life’s finite nature could make the superficial concerns that dominate societal focus seem insignificant. Recognizing the certainty of death can free us from the distractions and pressures that are pushed upon us.
Summary: Our fear of death is the driving force behind many societal constructs, shaping how we live and what we value. While death is the only certainty in life, society works hard to distract us from acknowledging this truth. By embracing our mortality, we can focus on what truly matters and disregard the superficial concerns imposed by society.