The value of anything is intrinsically tied to its finiteness. This principle explains why “limited edition” items are more valuable than their mass-produced counterparts. It’s also why an artist’s original painting is worth far more than its reproductions. The original is constrained by the artist’s lifetime, whereas copies can be produced infinitely.

Similarly, society often places a higher value on the lives of infants and children compared to older adults. This is not to dismiss other factors that influence our perception of value, but the unmistakable role of time is central. A child’s life, with its uncharted potential, feels more finite when juxtaposed with the longer-lived experiences of an elder.

Immortality, paradoxically, would strip life of its value. We mourn loved ones not only for the loss of their presence but because the finite nature of their lives becomes starkly evident. Their lives are reduced to a collection of memories, a finite treasure we can no longer add to.

On the other hand, it’s the illusion of infinity—or our disconnection from the concept of finiteness—that leads us to take so much for granted. Life itself, the seemingly simple act of waking up each day, and even our relationships often feel infinite in their repetition. The mundanity of daily life makes us forget how fleeting these things truly are. We’re jolted back to this reality only when life-changing events force us to confront the finite nature of all things.

So, how can we embrace life without being paralyzed by its fleeting nature? The answer lies in mindfulness. Take time to pause and appreciate the present—stop to smell the roses, because they won’t always be there. Relish each moment for what it is: a fleeting but precious fragment of your finite existence. The inevitability of life’s end isn’t a reason to avoid living; it’s a reason to cherish every single moment and make the most of the time we have.

Life’s transience is what makes it beautiful. Let the awareness of its limits inspire you to live fully and intentionally.