Emily Tucker- Empathy and Mortality

     As human, we are all mortal. one day we will die. Because of this, we are fascinated by the idea of immortality, which is why many superheroes and fantastical characters in books, movies, and myths are created with superhuman abilities including immortality. As a result, we tend to view immortality as a good thing, and mortality as a disadvantage. However, the Epic of Gilgamesh shows how mortality can actually facilitate and deepen empathy, a positive character trait. 

    Gilgamesh is neither fully human, nor is he fully divine. One of the greatest challenges he faces is accepting his mortality. According to Somewhere I have never travelled, "If death will take away the world, its prospect also clarifies what it is that we most treasure, removes false issues, adds perspective." Accepting the fact that we are finite, forces us to focus on the things that matter most and relieves us of the pressure of unlimited potential, because the fact is, that we are limited. Our entire perspective on life is shifted due to this fact. But mortality isn't necessarily a bad thing. If anything, the limited timeline of our life is what makes life in and of itself valuable. Scarcity and rarity are what create value. If you had an unlimited supply of gold, it would no longer have as great of a value to you. When we come to this realization, we are better able to show empathy and compassion to others.

    Understanding what death means, helps us place a greater value on life, because once it's gone, it can't be brought back. Knowing this, we understand that we die, but others also die. Since we are all mortal, life has immense value and therefore, we should be empathetic to others, because life is fleeting. Additionally, accepting mortality comes with accepting the fact that as humans we are imperfect and can't be expected to always do the right thing, because we don't have unlimited time to learn and make the right decisions. This relates to empathy in that, we look at others as also being imperfect people who will make mistakes, and we can show mercy and forgiveness knowing that we too are imperfect and finite. 

    Ultimately, realization of the impacts of our mortality gives us a better perspective on both our lives and the lives of others. It also places greater value on human life which allows us to show empathy and forgiveness, strengthening the "I-thou" relationship we have with others. 

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