not immortality, just sustainability

One of my very favorite bits of wisdom might be called trite based on how many can recite it:

“Sing like no one's listening, love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and live like its heaven on earth.”

And on how many think they can recite it.

I like Twain's original much better. I also adapt it for my own "live as if..." advice.

Since yesterday turned out not to be your last and tomorrow is just a theory that you will survive, receive today as a gift. But if you choose work that is worth carrying on and if you plan it and do it in community, then you may plan as if you will live for ever.

A dread of being trite is a hobgoblin of high school English teachers.

Do you suppose they will mind the implied tasks?

If the world were perfect, I could leave it.  Alas!  There is so much to put right.  I will have to have progeny because I sure won't solve all the problems in my time or by myself.