[A Sip of Books] Curiosity About Tomorrow Makes Today Meaningful

Editor's NoteSome sentences encapsulate the entire essence of a book, while others instantly resonate with readers and create a point of connection with the text. Here, we introduce such meaningful sentences selected from books.

This is a philosophical essay in which philosopher Zhu Rui, who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, reflects on the essence of life and death through ten days of interviews at the end of his life. He states that he wrote this book "to eliminate unnecessary fears about death and to live better." Focusing on the 'value' of life rather than its length, he emphasizes that only by recognizing our finitude can we attain a more fulfilling existence. Traversing philosophy, science, literature, and art-from Socrates to Schr?dinger and Carl Sagan-he persuasively explains that humans, though small and ordinary, can possess great meaning. In particular, the message that 'ordinariness' is the truest form of happiness runs throughout the book. While it discusses death, the book ultimately encourages readers to live stronger and more sincere lives. It offers a quiet yet profound resonance to those who have lost their sense of direction in life.

However, the truth about life is that we spend most of our time not running from death itself, but from our fear of death. - p.29

Merely fearing death does not automatically awaken a longing for life in us. In fact, it can only amplify a pure fear of death. To infuse life with courage and vitality, we must establish reasons for a meaningful existence that go beyond simply 'living.' Only when we stop living just for the sake of survival can we truly become the masters of our own lives. - p.38

Ordinariness itself is real, it is happiness, and it is joy. This is my greatest realization. Even a sip of water or a bowl of porridge is now a luxury for me. - p.113

If you learn how to communicate with your body, you will be able to think rationally and make accurate decisions even in situations that seem impossible to escape. - p.116

Yes, I look forward to my own death. I look forward to 'rebirth,' to seeing small grasses grow nourished by my body, and to my life beginning anew. - p.137

We are all living beings in the universe, and we are also children of the universe. If we consider the whole universe as infinite space, could it be that because of this single speck of dust, the universe became self-aware? It is the awareness, consciousness, and obsession with seeking 'truth' within this speck of dust-within us-that has caused the entire universe to begin breathing as one living entity. - p.183

Each human existence contains the miracle of the universe. This is not a metaphor but a literal fact. Every human consciousness makes the universe shine. This is not poetic language, but an objective description. - p.186

I believe whether something is valuable depends on what an individual pursues, their passion, and their aspirations. Not everyone needs to become a scientist, philosopher, or scholar. I believe there is no hierarchy among professions. Every job has its limitations. You, too, must clearly understand the limitations of pursuing graduate studies. Within those limits, you must reflect on whether you truly wish to fully unleash your talents and pour your passion into it. This is the real issue you must contemplate. - p.190

We do not experience death. That is because death does not belong to 'us.' - p.207

In truth, we know well that our own death has a very small and insignificant impact on the vast universe, not even creating a ripple on the surface of the water. I am no different. Even if I die, even my closest friends or family will return to their normal lives the next day, and no one will remain deeply immersed in my death. I believe that is how it should be. If you are my friend, I hope that even after I die, you will continue to live joyfully. - p.208

We must not forget that even something small can be significant. Likewise, if we understand the meaning of something great, we should not disregard the meaning of something small. That is because we are all ordinary people, and each of our ordinary emotions is equally noble, worthy of cherishing, and deserving of care. - p.210

To love is a profoundly meaningful act, far more than we might think. So do not avoid love-embrace it fully and dive deeply into it. Then, share your love with others. - p.218

It is simply that I have less than a month left to live. But none of us can know the exact moment. If we could know in advance what tomorrow would bring, perhaps tomorrow would lose its meaning and become dull. So, not knowing is not necessarily a bad thing. The unknown inspires curiosity, not fear. - p.228

I hope everyone can find a world of their own. Your kindness, wisdom, and strong perseverance will make that world shine brilliantly-because of you. - p.243

The Philosopher's Last Lesson | Written by Zhu Rui | Translated by Ha Jin | Needle Book | 272 pages | 18,000 won