Nobody is born by their own wish. Even those who do only good things in life will eventually die.
Many people nowadays go to school every day to ensure a good life in the future, work daily as adults to make a living, and then wait alone for death after turning 60 and receiving a pension.
When I was a high school student, I spoke to an old man who lived next to my house. He said, “I worked at a bank for 35 years to earn money. But I never had enough time, couldn’t travel, and didn’t have a family. When I was young, I wanted to go to Hakaboraji Mountain to see the snow, but I couldn’t. Now, I receive a pension and have plenty of time, but I don’t have the physical strength to go to Hakaboraji Mountain. There’s no one next to me, so it’s okay if I die soon. What people regret when they get old is not what they did in their youth, but what they didn’t do.”
Since then, I’ve wanted to live a meaningful life. But how can one live a meaningful life? What is the right way to live? This varies from person to person. For me, the most important thing is family. Having a happy family and leaving descendants.
The second most important thing is to plant trees, no matter how small, and donate to schools and hospitals in poor rural areas, to be useful to poor and troubled people. Also, I want to let future generations know that I existed on this earth.
The last thing is to travel and adventure around the world. This is a chance that only exists while you are alive, so I think it will make my life more meaningful.
Everyone, please think carefully about the reason for your precious life and strive to not waste it.