I recently came across a thought-provoking Pearls Before Swine cartoon by Stephan Pastis. In it, Pig climbs a mountain to seek wisdom from the great Oracle.
He confesses that he has lived his life with extreme caution and fear, believing that dying is the worst thing that can happen. The Oracle corrects him, saying, “Not living.”
In the final panel, Pig reflects on this revelation and tells his friend Rat, “I have wasted a lot of years.” This simple cartoon struck a chord with me.
Have I truly lived a full life? Why am I bringing this up? Two nights ago, my cousin passed away, and I find myself wondering—did he live a good life?
He was a coach, a referee, and a teacher. He dedicated himself to sports, but he never traveled with family or beyond what his job required. He seemed happy, yet his devotion to his career came at the expense of his family, and they resent it.
So, what defines a good life? Is it being deeply involved in something you love, even if it means sacrificing other aspects of life?
I don’t think there’s a single answer. But for me, the right balance is clear: family comes first, followed by one’s occupation or passions, then the community, and finally, the world at large.
The key is adjusting these priorities depending on the season of life you’re in and being mindful of the impact you have on those around you. Why this sequence?
Because if you want to leave a lasting legacy, it begins with family. They are the ones who will remember you, tell your stories, and carry forward what you’ve built. Then come close friends and the people whose lives you touch daily.
Without these connections, you risk becoming just another cog in the machine—someone who existed but left little behind. The lesson from both the cartoon and my cousin’s life is clear: time is fleeting.
The worst thing isn’t dying—it’s failing to truly live.
If you have struggled with this question and others then go to Patterson2Y2R,com/blog should be a place you should visit to share your stories and challenges.
I have an ear that would love to hear your stories. Let’s taste the real meaning of life. I am still working on my course with the goal of launching a starter course, and I will keep you abreast as to how the process goes.
If you want to participate in this process and join my first class please send me an email to bobchuckpatterson@yahoo.com
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