Ancient myths, far from being relics of the past, offer invaluable insights into the human condition. These perennial narratives distill complex experiences, providing guidance to navigate life’s choices, struggles, and triumphs. We may find striking parallels between our own lives as we age and the epic tale of Achilles in The Iliad.
Achilles’ Choice and Its Implications
Presented with a choice between a long, peaceful life and a short, glorious one marked by hardship, Achilles selects the second, realizing the inevitable denouement of an early death. His decision underscores the value of living fully, even in the face of foreseeable loss, and brings us to the brink of life’s boundaries, urging us to think about how best to spend our remaining years.
In our own lives, we also grapple with choices – whether in pursuing speculative career paths, dedicating ourselves to a passion, or making personal sacrifices. Do we prefer the comfort of security and relative predictability or, as we follow our star, the self-assurance that comes from directly addressing the challenges of venturing into the unknown? The latter certainly involves risk but offers a deeper sense of meaning and accomplishment.
Mortality and Acceptance
Achilles’ choice likewise underscores the ancient understanding of mortality: death is not something to dread but an intrinsic aspect of life to accept. With age we viscerally feel life’s fragility and limits. While we may not fight in literal battles like Achilles, we all come up against situations that call us to live with courage.
Acceptance of mortality, however, does not necessitate a passive attitude. Instead, it can catalyze a sense of purpose and resolve. Recognizing our finite time on planet Earth can inspire us to break free from complacency, develop our innate talents, and cultivate deeper connections with those we love.
Society’s Denial of Mortality
Our culture is inundated with media messages that glorify youth and beauty, creating a pervasive expectation that we should remain forever young and vibrant. These pressures can obscure our understanding of natural aging and its impact on ambition, leading us to neglect what fulfills us.
A prime example of this tendency is the prevalence of euphemisms for death, such as “passing away” or “resting in eternal sleep,” which distance us from the stark reality of mortality, making it seem less final and more abstract.
Furthermore, life-extension technologies often treat mortality as a problem to be solved, rather than a part of the human experience. This perspective can lead us to view aging as an obstacle to overcome, rather than a valuable chapter of life.
Though many seek to maintain their youth, the real issue is not in preserving vitality but in allowing ourselves the freedom to shape aging according to our own criteria. Ultimately, wisdom lies in recognizing our limits while honoring who we’ve become.
Empathy
As the story goes, Achilles, the legendary warrior from Greek mythology, shared a strong bond with his beloved companion Patroclus during the Trojan War. When Hector, prince of Troy, killed Patroclus in battle, Achilles was consumed by grief and rage, driving him to seek vengeance by killing Hector. Yet, after his wrath subsided, Achilles’ vulnerability emerged. King Priam, Hector’s father, begged Achilles to return his son’s body, and in a profound act of mercy, Achilles complied, revealing that even in his (and our) darkest moments, he – and we – are capable of empathy.
In other words, we can actively shape our responses and relationships rather than reactively allowing anger or sorrow to dictate our behavior. Achilles shows us that our imperfections can foster compassion, especially when we recognize similar flaws in others. This concept becomes evident as we age, when forgiveness transforms into a powerful force for reconciliation.
Living Authentically
For women over 60, living authentically takes on new depth. As our bodies change and time feels more precious, the desire to acknowledge life’s limits grows stronger. We cannot deny the constraints of aging, but we can learn to adapt to them. This choice emphasizes quality over quantity, not resignation.
In my 50s, after my children were grown and had left home, I decided to devote more time to writing, something I’d always enjoyed but had never prioritized. This shift led me to publish a children’s book, write short stories, and share ideas in hundreds of articles and photographs on my blog – all rewarding new pursuits.
As we grow older, ambition changes. Instead of chasing every goal, we find gratification in avocations that bring us joy. But remember: they do no simply appear; we must seek them out and explore the possibilities and hints life leaves us unexpectedly!
Conclusion
Achilles’ story offers us timeless truths that invite us to contemplate how we approach life and death. His choice reminds us that acknowledging our mortality sharpens our focus on what matters, appealing to us to live with intention rather than in fear.
Understanding our limitations doesn’t diminish who we are; it allows us to grow beyond superficial goals, revealing what truly defines us. And while safety and routine have their place, the real adventure begins when we step into uncertainty with an open heart. Achilles teaches us that a life shaped by courage, empathy, and authenticity offers its own form of heroic greatness.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you accept aging as a natural process or are you still in denial? Have you considered your own mortality? Would you rather you fade away or live fully to the very end? What does Achilles’ story teach you, personally?