I just happened across an essay written today by Oliver Sacks in which he announces that he has an incurable cancer and is facing death. He tells us how he hopes to face his remaining time alive.
Sacks has long been one of the men I’ve greatly admired.
His essay, My Own Life, is eloquent and affecting.
Father Eliot Nitz said:
I treasure this sentence: “This is not indifference but detachment—I still care deeply about the Middle East, about global warming, about growing inequality, but these are no longer my business; they belong to the future.
Lois Barber said:
Thanks for sharing this Richard. Yes, to living every moment to its fullest, steeped in gratitude.
Judy White said:
Thanks for sharing this, Rick. I too am a fan of Oliver Sacks. His essay complements a book Mike & I have just read, “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande, a very wise commentary on how to live at the end of life.
Richard said:
Judy, I recently read “Being Mortal” and also found it’s simply terrific.
Carrie said:
I hope that if I learn my death is near, I can be as articulate and at peace with my life
Richard said:
Carrie,
May we all learn from him. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that he continues to teach.
Richard said:
Thanx to reader HS, check out these Letters to the Editor (http://nyti.ms/1vT3VfI ) following the publishing of Sacks’ essay.