As I explored my TikTok account, I came upon a recommendation for a book by Paul Kalanithi titled "When Breath Becomes Air." In his video, he suggested reading this amazing work during moments of emotional turmoil and despair. I found myself in a situation I had never anticipated; while not as severe as depression, I experienced an emotionally drowned incident, thinking of the life I was having and also a sense of sadness and vulnerability. Without hesitation, I turned to Google, downloaded the book, and began reading it immediately. My first encounter with the text was in PDF format, and I completed it in just two days. Because the book was so breathtaking. The second time I read it, it was in hard copy brought from Thimphu at the Nu. 699. I began reading it after starting my studies at a university, which took me two weeks to finish due to time constraints.
The book is a deeply moving narrative. Before becoming a neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, Paul Kalanithi earned a BA in literature and an MA in psychology and bioscience. His early passion for literature was nurtured by his family, who frequently gifted him books. Ultimately, he pursued surgical training at Stanford, demonstrating remarkable dedication and integrity in his work. He married Lucy, who was also a medical student.
Here is a brief overview of the book, along with some themes I gleaned from it;
As the narrative unfolds, a melancholic twist emerges when Paul is diagnosed with lung cancer. Having witnessed countless patients with brain tumors recover or face death, he now finds himself in the role of a patient. This diagnosis marks one of the most challenging periods of his life, which he navigates alongside his wife, Lucy. The heartbreaking reality of their situation strikes Lucy particularly hard, as their lives were progressing smoothly until this unforeseen turn of events. Yet, rather than abandon him, Lucy remains by Paul’s side, caring for him through his darkest days. In a moment of shared hope, Paul expresses his desire to have children, and Lucy gives birth to a daughter named Cady.
As time passes, the inevitable day arrives when Paul must say goodbye. Having witnessed both death and birth, he approaches his own passing with acceptance and peace, leaving this world without regret.
From "When Breath Becomes Air", I have learned several profound lessons:
1. Life is unpredictable; we must be prepared for the worst. Comfort zones can be stifling, and it is essential to emerge from our cocoons. When faced with unexpected challenges, we may struggle to cope.
2. Consider the hypothetical scenario of having a fixed timeline for your life—whether it be a day, a month, or a year. How would you choose to live? Would you pursue your dreams or savor every moment? This contemplation has sparked a deep reflection within me.
3. In marriage, it is vital to remain faithful and supportive, not only during joyful times but also through the darkest challenges. Unfortunately, many couples falter when faced with adversity. While past actions may influence our present circumstances, we must confront our karma and support one another through life’s trials.
4. As we strive for survival, dedication is essential in all our endeavors. We should serve with compassion and kindness, ensuring our intentions are pure.
5. It is crucial to understand others' perspectives. Paul, as a surgeon, possessed a unique empathy for his patients, allowing him to treat them with compassion and insight.
6. Given the uncertainty of death, we must actively pursue our aspirations and not delay in doing good. Regret can overshadow our lives if we fail to act. As the saying goes, "Live as if you will die tomorrow." We should strive to live morally and perform good deeds in all our actions. Paul poignantly wrote, "If the unexamined life is not worth living, is the unlived life worth examining?" We are never wiser than when we fully embrace the present moment.
Some of the beautiful lines from the book, I love;
1. If the unexamined life was not worth living, was the unlived life worth examining.
2. We are never so wise as when we live in this moment
3. one day we are born, one day we shall die, the same day, the same second..... birth astride of a grave, the light gleams as instant, then, its night once more.
4. But some days, like a humid muggy day, it had a suffocating weight of its own.
5. If I were a writer of the books, I would compile a register, with a comment, of the various deaths of a men, he who teach men to die would at the same time teach them to live.
6. Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.
7. The word hope first appeared in English about a thousand years ago, denoting some combination of confidence and desire. But what I desired-life-was not what I was confident about-death.
8. What patients seek is not scientific knowledge that doctors hide but existential authenticity each person must find on her own.
9. Human knowledge is never contained in one person. It grows from the relationships we create between each other and the world, and still, it is never complete.
Kadrinche!
