Life is Short

Paul Graham wrote this in 2016, after having children made time feel countable to him: only so many weekends with a two-year-old. He argues that if life really is short, the useful question is what it's too short for, and his answer is bullshit, meaning things like needless meetings, pointless disputes, bureaucracy, posturing and addictive pastimes that give nothing back. Some of it is forced on you by work, and he suggests valuing jobs and clients that waste less of your time; some you choose yourself, like arguing with people online. His test for what matters is whether you'll still care about it later, and he notes that something small, like coffee with a friend, can matter more than something that merely feels important. The essay closes with the death of his mother and his regret at not spending more time with her.

Making room for what matters

Suggested ways to try it, adapted from the essay:

1. Name what your life is too short for. List what leaves you drained without giving anything back, like needless meetings or endless scrolling, and cut or shrink one thing this week.
2. Let some arguments go. When someone contradicts you online, defending yourself usually costs more of your time than it's worth.
3. Ask whether you'll care later. What feels urgent and then fades is usually noise; what stays with you, even something small, is worth your time.
4. Don't wait. Pick one thing you keep postponing, like a visit, a call or a trip, and put a date on it.
5. Savour the time you have. Give your full attention to the good parts of ordinary days, especially the time you spend with people you love.