Live Better, Die Better
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
by Atul Gawande
Medicine/Philosophy/Sociology
TL;DR
This book is basically a mic drop on how we handle getting old and dying. It's not about fighting death, but about living life on your own terms until the very end. The main takeaway? You gotta talk to your fam and doctors about what you actually want, not just what they think is 'best.' It's all about quality over quantity when the chips are down. Don't let medical tech turn your last days into a hospital prison; demand a life that's still yours, even if it's shorter. It's a call to action to reclaim your autonomy and make sure your final chapter is written by you, not by a bunch of machines and medical protocols.
Action Items
Text your fam or bestie and ask them what their 'dream last day' would look like, even if it's just for fun. Get those vibes out there.
Skip that extra hour of grinding on a project that's already 'good enough' and instead, spend it doing something that genuinely makes you happy, like binging a show or chilling with friends. Quality over quantity, even for your free time.
Look around your room or workspace. What's one tiny thing you can add or change right now to make it feel more 'you' and less like a generic hotel room? Add a plant, a weird poster, or just organize your snacks better. Make your 'base' feel like home.
Next time you're making a decision (big or small, like what to eat or what to do this weekend), ask yourself: 'What's the best outcome for me right now that makes me feel good, not just what's the 'perfect' or 'most productive' option?' Be your own 'No More BS' life coach.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - The Good Life, Even When It's Ending
Ever wonder why doctors keep pushing treatments even when someone's clearly on their last leg? This chapter spills the tea on how the medical system often prioritizes extending life at all costs, even if that means a miserable existence. It's a wake-up call to realize that quality of life isn't just some fluffy concept; it's about what truly makes your days worth living, even if those days are numbered. It challenges us to think about autonomy and dignity over just mere survival. Basically, it's saying, 'Yo, what do you actually want when things get real? Because it might not be another tube up your nose.'
Key Methods and Approaches
The 'What Do YOU Want, Bro?' Talk
(AKA: The Difficult Conversation)
Description:
Straight-up asking people what they actually want when they're sick or old, instead of just doing medical stuff to them.
Explanation:
It's like when your friend asks if you wanna go to a party or chill, and you actually tell them, instead of them dragging you to a lame one. This method is about getting real about your end-game goals, not just blindly following the doctor's 'more meds, more procedures' script. It's about taking control of your own narrative, even when you're vulnerable. No more 'doctor knows best' if 'best' means you're miserable.
Examples:
Telling your family you'd rather chill at home with your dog than be hooked up to tubes in a hospital.
Deciding you'd rather eat ice cream and watch Netflix than do painful rehab that won't really help.
Having a 'what if I get hit by a bus?' convo with your parents about their wishes, even if it's awkward.
Today's Action:
Text your fam or bestie and ask them what their 'dream last day' would look like, even if it's just for fun. Get those vibes out there.
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