"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything —all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." -Steve Jobs, in a 2005 speech
I disagree with part of this quote because I do not believe that death should be used as a motive to do certain things. It people were to constantly worry about death, they would probably not get very far in life. If death is the opposite of life, wouldn't it be better to worry about the one you want instead of the other? Also, if a person were to be convinced that it was really their last day to live, they would most likely do something counter productive in ways that it would negatively affect other aspects of their life, possibly in a way that is not able to be fixed. Their goals in life may change as opportunities may be cut off due to certain actions they have performed during the time of which they had decided that it was their last day and things needed to change. Death can be scary, and may influence people to do unusual things. Whether or not it is beneficial or unproductive in their current situation is, for the most part, based on a person's character. Some people should not follow this advice, depending on their personalities.
While I disagree with part of this quote, I do agree with following one's instincts. While it may seem to be a bad idea, second guessing an initial action might mess up current situations, depending on the decision. Taking every once in a while can be a very important factor in achieving success, though taking too many can result in disaster. Steve Jobs was successful in making his company, Apple, successful by releasing the iPod Touch and iPhone at the same time, effectively cannibalizing on their own sales. This willingness to take risks in the greater interests of his company has proven to have a large influence over his success during his life. Risk taking plays a very big part in life, whether it be asking someone on a date or testing a new medicine, and can lead to many things, good or bad. Taking too many risks is probably not smart. It can be disastrous, and lead to embarrassment and regret. Some people categorize this as “recklessness,” instead of having courage.
Fear can have a very tight grip over peoples' lives, often ruining them and making their lives angry or hateful, so it would probably not be a good idea to use it to motivate people. It may drive people to do certain things they would not normally do or it may immobilize them and prevent them from doing what needs to be done. I believe that motivation could be more easily obtained through receiving a reward. In war, mercenaries who are paid tend to be more loyal than soldiers who were threatened or forced to join the military. Having punishments for getting bad grades has proven to be less effective than having rewards for getting good grades in my family. In conclusion, while this quote does have some important truths, it does not seem to be good advice to follow.
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