When did you first realize that you were mortal?

Question

...and did that effect how you continue to live your life?

Answer 1

It really hit home when in ninth grade a good friend and two of her friends were hit head on by another teen who was drunk and crossed the yellow line. The stearing wheel went right through her and killed her instantly. I was supposed to go out with them that night.

Yeah, it affected me. I was wary for a while making friends, but grew out of that. It also made me a much better defensive driver (and motorcycle rider later on). I think it saved me a couple of times from serious accidents.

Answer 2

When I experienced my first earthquake.

I was at my grandmother's with the rest of my family and we were eating dinner. Suddenly, everything shook and I became frightened, not knowing what was happening. Then I looked at my mother's face. Up to that point, whenever I was scared, her face was what comforted me. She would always take care of me.

But something bad was happening and it was bigger than she was, than anyone was and I realized in a moment that sometimes, no one can save you.

I think realizing one's mortality changes every human. I live with more fear than I did before I understood that I will die. I'm still afraid knowing that one day, I'll take my last breath. That realization becomes more palpable as I get older, but it also serves as a great incentive to live my life, every day with as little regret as possible.

Answer 3

I was about six and I was watching the sunset, and I suddenly realised that it had been here forever, unchanging, but I would not be. I've always been a philosopher, so I just accepted it. Mortality gives meaning and shape to our existence.

Answer 4

I realized I was mortal when Robert Frost the poet died in 1963. The realization horrified me. I have winced when I hear poetry ever since.

THE PASTURE
I'm going out to clean the pasture spring;
I'll only stop to rake the leaves away
(And wait to watch the water clear, I may):
I shan't be gone long. -- You come too.
I'm going out to fetch the little calf
That's standing by the mother. It's so young,
It totters when she licks it with her tongue.
I shan't be gone long. -- You come too.

Answer 5

I realized my mortality when my first child was born. Slowed me down a lot.

Answer 6

When I was young, we had a family day out at the Planetarium. in London There was some kinda presentation and it was mentioned that one day the universe would explode as it did when it was created. I cried my eyes out and my mum had to explain that I would not die from the explosion - I'd be gone long before then!!!!

Answer 7

Hit me the strongest when my father died. I guess I thought he would live forever. When he died I saw my self as having only 30 or so years left. I have friends who have died suddenly, car accidents and things like that. It amazes me that life is so fragile.

Answer 8

I remember that I was around 5 years old and my mom was ironing her dress. I don't remember how it was brought up, but I remember repeatedly asking her:" you mean you're going to die someday? You mean I'm going to die someday?" and she was so gentle and sweet about explaing how nothing lasts forever, but my sadness and that feeling of doom, I will never forget.

Answer 9

When I was six years old I was told by my older brother I would some day die. I can still remember how sad I was.

Answer 10

When nothing happened to me after certain accidents, but so much things happened to other people for least.