The Mystery and Unpredictability of Human Life

The Mystery and Unpredictability of Human Life

The passing of a close friend or colleague brings with it not just grief but a flood of questions about life’s unpredictability. Why does one person live into their late 80s or 90s, while another leaves us far too soon? Why do some enjoy long years after retirement, while others barely begin to savor the fruits of their hard work? These questions have no easy answers, yet they push us to reflect deeply on life, fate, and our existence.


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The Nature of Life: A Delicate Balance

Human life is an intricate interplay of many forces—genetics, health, environment, circumstances, and, for those who believe, destiny or the divine will. Some factors are within our control, but others remain beyond comprehension.

1. Health and Lifestyle:
Medical science shows that genetics, lifestyle choices, and access to healthcare influence how long one lives. Yet, these are not guarantees. A person who leads a disciplined, healthy life may face sudden illness, while someone who lives without care may live into old age. This contradiction often baffles us.


2. Stress and Mental Well-being:
Life today, especially in professional careers, brings immense stress—financial pressures, family responsibilities, and societal expectations. Some people carry these burdens silently, unaware of the toll they take on their bodies and minds.

A sudden heart attack or illness may seem unpredictable, but often it results from prolonged stress and unaddressed health concerns.



3. Accidents and Unforeseen Events:
Life is full of uncertainties. Accidents, natural disasters, or illnesses can claim lives in moments. For some, it feels unfair—a life full of dreams cut short. For others, survival against odds feels miraculous.




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Life’s Inequalities: The Different Lengths of Our Journeys

It is this randomness of life that makes us pause and reflect.

You, being 10 years older than your colleague, still enjoy the gift of life and the pension you worked so hard for. Your colleague, however, departed early, after only four years of retirement.

At the same time, you see others—colleagues who have reached 85, 88, or beyond—living, thriving, and drawing pensions long into their twilight years.


The seeming unfairness of it all—why some lives are long and others short—leads us to contemplate deeper truths.

1. Fate and Spirituality:
Many turn to God or fate to find meaning in these events. Spiritual beliefs often suggest that each soul has a predetermined path, with its own lessons and timeline. For those who believe, life and death are not accidents but parts of a larger, divine plan.


2. The Role of Perspective:
The value of a life is not always in its length but in how it was lived. Some people leave behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and memories in a short span, while others live long but perhaps without such fulfillment.




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Life as a Reminder: What Can We Learn?

The passing of someone close serves as a reminder of life’s fragile nature.

The Importance of the Present: Life teaches us to live in the moment, as the future remains uncertain. Cherish relationships, health, and the small joys of life.

Health and Self-Care: Regular health checkups, managing stress, and listening to our bodies can help us extend our time and make it more meaningful.

Human Connections: The relationships we build, the kindness we show, and the love we give to others often become the true measures of a life well-lived.



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An Acceptance of the Unknowable

Despite our attempts to analyze, life’s unpredictability remains a mystery. Perhaps it is this very unpredictability that gives life its beauty and significance. If we knew when our time would end, would we live with the same purpose, gratitude, and urgency?

The passing of your colleague is undoubtedly a moment of sorrow, but it also urges reflection. It highlights how precious life is and how important it is to make the most of the time we have. Each day we wake up is a gift—an opportunity to live, love, and leave behind something meaningful.


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Final Thoughts

Life’s mysteries—why some go early and others stay longer—are beyond human comprehension. For those who believe in God, it is easier to surrender to divine wisdom. For others, it is a call to embrace life as it comes, with gratitude for every moment.

Your experiences—seeing colleagues live long lives while others leave early—remind us that life is fleeting, fragile, and precious. In honoring those who leave us, let us live our own lives with purpose, compassion, and an appreciation for the time we still have.

Ultimately, as poet Rabindranath Tagore once said:
“Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time, like dew on the tip of a leaf.”

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