According to legend, God sent an angel to the Master with this message: “Ask for a million years of life and they will be given you. Or a million million. How long do you wish to live?”
“Eighty years,” said the Master without the slightest hesitation.
The disciples were dismayed. “But, Master, if you lived for a million years, think how many generations would profit by your wisdom.”
“If I lived for a million years, people would be more intent on lengthening their lives than on cultivating wisdom,” replied the Master.
Anthony de Mello
More at http://www.soulwise.net/
Anthony de Mello (1931-1987) was an Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist. A spiritual teacher, writer and public speaker, De Mello wrote several books on spirituality and hosted numerous spiritual retreats and conferences. He continues to be known for his storytelling, which drew from the various mystical traditions of both East and West. In most of his stories, “The Master” is deliberately framed not as a single historical figure, but as a wise teacher, demonstrating how universal wisdom transcends religious boundaries.
Notes:
The concept of memento mori: The Master’s perspective aligns directly with classical traditions of memento mori (“remember that you must die”) found in Stoicism, Buddhism, and various contemplative paths. Rather than inspiring despair, acknowledging human mortality serves as an acute purifier of priorities, stripping away trivial distractions to focus entirely on ethical integrity and inner growth.
Scarcity and value in Economics and Psychology: In behavioural psychology, the scarcity effect demonstrates that humans assign higher value and urgency to resources that are limited. When life is perceived as infinite, procrastination flourishes; when time is recognised as finite and precious, every moment becomes an irreplaceable opportunity for meaningful presence