I think that the death of a close loved one is a prerequisite to truly understanding how short life is. Having children helps too but I don't think it is enough

I think that the death of a close loved one is a prerequisite to truly understanding how short life is. Having children helps too but I don't think it is enough on it's own. I do absolutely agree that children are the best at focusing us on what is important. I have known how short life is for a long time but I encounter people on a daily basis, most far older than me who don't seem to realise it or if they do are acting irrationally. When I see them wasting their time on things that are clearly not important it doesn't bother me too much because it is their time to choose what to do with but what does make me angry is if they try to involve me in the 'bullshit' too, to use the term used in the essay. At work this can range from petty disagreements or the colleague that creates busywork. I wonder how many people start startups recognise life is too short compared to those who do not, it would be interesting to find out.