How would YOU answer this question, posed by R. Bach?(1988)?

Question

"I gave my life to become the person I am right now. . . Was it worth it?" (From his book, titled One)
This author wrote Johathan Livingston Seagull, also

Hey, Howard G - bogus account maker imposter --- after reading your 'questions' on your home page, I'm amazed that you are even familiar with this author!!! and your insightful answer given here? More proof of your level of literary ignorance. . . rock on - gameplayer of deceit.

Answer 1

Richard Bach, for some reason, is unknown to me as an author. I am floored at why that is so, just from reviewing the titles of what he wrote. How did I miss out on his work?

First, understand that I am an airplane pilot. I've jumped from a plane in a parachute. I've lived a full life in many ways that are perhaps symbolized by those two examples that came to mind when reading reviews of Bach's books.

Actually living life to less than its fullest MAKES life not worth it. Life sucks, most of the time. So, why sit around waiting for the inevitable - death - to arrive? Perhaps someone without that perspective can't understand enough to answer.

We have two choices in life. Either go for it, or give in. I often - but not always - went for it. Though reaching out was bumpy in the extreme, the alternative - giving in - bored me to almost to death.

So let me try to answer the R. Bach question, and then go do some reading.

Life is not worth it except in the parts where I gave it my best. In those parts where I truly risked all for what I believed, and even in failure, it was worth it.

Answer 2

if Bach wrote this, then there was the question, right? If there is a question, then he is still in the search, right? Since the question tells us that he has not found what he is seeking, and the question suggests that he failed to appreciate that he had no alternative?

Since the question puts a value [worth] on his becoming, he apparently questions the becoming, and this suggests that his becoming has not reached a conclusion that answers his question, or he has achieved a conclusion and questions its worth?

In either case, a lack of success is suggested, at least to me. As for myself, the question he poses, if I were asking it myself [which I would not] is yes, most definitely. But I would rephrase the question to read:

My life was taken and what remains is the person I have become, which is clearly worthless.

The point is, how much must one pay to achieve understanding of ones true value? And, most mystics say that one must surrender ones head. The head being a symbol for ego, and most would find this cost to high a price to pay.... as perhaps Bach was pondering?

Answer 3

That question ranks right up there with, "What in the world was he trying to say in Johnathan Livingston Seagull?"
In my opinion R. Bach is a phoney. His profundities appear empty to so many people because they are empty.The king has no clothes.

Answer 4

I liked the answer given by fairy_without_boot! beautiful answer!

Answer 5

the most important thing is live is to sacrifice what u are, for what u could become

so yes, it was worth it... eventho it wasnt always as easy

Answer 6

I have not given my life to be who I am. I develop my personality, knowledge, etc, but I have a full life.

Answer 7

Parts of it - yes
Parts of it - no.