You didn''t choose to live this life, in this body, in these conditions-this delicate and difficult life. Yet when you consider that your existence is fleeting, an inspired sense of urgency can spring forth. Say you often hike with a friend. One day, they propose that you skydive instead. You''re wavering, and they insist:?Come?on. You only live once! And soon you''re flying through the air. Why embrace a life you did not choose?
In?This Beauty, philosopher Nick Riggle explores the beauty of being alive by investigating the things we say to inspire ourselves and each other: seize the day, treat yourself, you only live once. These clich-are at best vague, at worst stupid. They imply that you should do something wild with your life because your life is precious, a little like saying you should go swimming with your grandfather''s watch because it is irreplaceable.
Drawing on insights from aesthetics and his experiences as a professional skater and new father, he d
