Simon Boas, a former aid worker who wrote about his experience with cancer, died at age 47. He expressed surprising happiness in his final days, stating he was “as happy as I’ve ever been in my life.” This resonates with research suggesting that people nearing death often experience a shift in perspective, prioritizing meaningful experiences and appreciating life more deeply. While fear of death is a common human emotion, studies show that people approaching death actually use more positive language to describe their experience than those who merely imagine it.
Boas’s story echoes the philosophies of Seneca and Viktor Frankl, who both emphasized the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the face of adversity. Research suggests that happiness for those nearing death often comes from social connections, simple pleasures, and a focus on meaning over pleasure.
The author, a clinical psychologist, shares his experience with a patient named Johan, who faced his own mortality with courage and a desire to find meaning in his remaining time. Johan’s journey illustrates how individuals can experience a range of emotions, including sadness, gratitude, longing, and anger, while also finding happiness and meaning in the face of death. The author concludes that the experience of facing mortality can add perspective to life and help individuals appreciate it more than ever.
