The questions many people tend to ask are: What is the meaning of life? Is it the pursuit of our dreams, the fulfillment of our goals, or something more profound?

There are two types of people: those who seem to have it all figured out and those who take a little longer to find their way.

For some, life follows a predictable path: high school, university, career, marriage, and a happily ever after. For others, the journey is more circuitous. They may stumble, face setbacks, and only discover their true calling in their late 20s, 30s, or beyond. The pressure to keep up with peers can be overwhelming, especially when starting a new career.

Paul Kalanithi, author of When Breath Becomes Air, seemed to have it all together. A brilliant neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, he was also a student of literature and human biology and was married to his soulmate. However, at 35, during his final year of residency at Stanford, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. His life was shattered, forcing him to re-evaluate his priorities.

Despite undergoing treatment and chemotherapy, Kalanithi’s cancer progressed, and he was no longer able to operate. He chose to focus on spending time with his family and his infant daughter. Tragically, he passed away just eight months after her birth, opting for assisted dying as his cancer became more aggressive.

Kalanithi’s story reminds us how fleeting life is. When we see someone’s age, 35, we often think of it as old. It is only when we lose someone young that we realize how precious life is. We are left to ponder the what-ifs, the loved ones left behind, and the unfulfilled dreams.

This book taught me three valuable lessons:

1. The impermanence of life: As the Bible says, “Everything is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). In the grand scheme, our accomplishments and possessions are but a whisper in the wind.
2. Perseverance in the face of adversity: Even when life throws us curveballs, we must keep moving forward. We never know what’s around the corner, and every day is a gift.
3. The beauty of aging: Aging is a privilege, not a guarantee. Every year we live is a blessing, and we should cherish each moment.

Kalanithi’s story, based on true events, reminds us to appreciate the beauty of life, cherish every moment, and never take our time on this earth for granted.