David Bowie: 'As you get older, the questions come down to about two or three. How long? And what do I do with the time I've got left?'

As you get older, the questions come down to about two or three. How long? And what do I do with the time I've got left?

The quote by David Bowie, "As you get older, the questions come down to about two or three. How long? And what do I do with the time I've got left?", encapsulates the universal dilemmas faced by individuals as they age. It highlights the fundamental inquiries that become increasingly significant as time passes. The quote emphasizes the importance of time and compels us to reflect on how we choose to spend our remaining days. While the meaning of the quote itself is thought-provoking, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept to enrich our understanding further - the concept of existentialism.Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought, focuses on the individual's struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. It asserts that human beings are responsible for creating their own meaning in a seemingly meaningless universe. This concept intertwines beautifully with Bowie's quote, shedding new light on the importance of the questions he posed.When pondering how long we have left, existentialism invites us to consider our mortality and confront the brief and transient nature of existence. It reminds us that time is a limited resource, urging us to embrace the present and make the most of our lives. The ticking clock should serve as a constant reminder to cherish every fleeting moment and make each day count, as we never know when our time will run out.On the other hand, the concept of existentialism compels us to seek answers to the second question Bowie posed - what do I do with the time I've got left? Existentialists argue that since life lacks inherent meaning, it is up to each individual to create their own purpose and define what gives their life value. This perspective places a significant emphasis on personal agency and responsibility.In light of this philosophy, the quote assumes even greater importance as it forces us to actively engage with our lives and make conscious choices about how we spend our time. It encourages us to reevaluate our priorities, passions, and goals, acknowledging the finite nature of our existence. Bowie's words act as a catalyst for self-reflection, prompting us to question whether we are truly living authentically and pursuing what truly matters to us.The beauty of Bowie's quote is that it resonates with individuals of all ages. While aging may accentuate these questions, they are pertinent regardless of one's stage in life. They invite us to confront our mortality, challenge societal expectations, and forge our own paths. In this context, Bowie's words act as a powerful reminder to live with intention, purpose, and passion.Ultimately, Bowie's quote embodies a profound truth about the human experience - our time is finite, and it is up to us to determine how we use it. It calls upon us to embrace the questions of "how long?" and "what do I do with the time I've got left?" as guiding principles in our lives. By combining Bowie's poignant ponderings with the existentialist philosophy, we are encouraged to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, to live authentically, and to make the most of the precious time we have left on this earth.