“It is vanity to wish for a long life and to care little about leading a good life.” – Thomas à Kempis
In recent years, there’s been a surge of interest in longevity. Everywhere you turn, there’s advice on the best diet, the best workout routine, or the best supplements to extend your years. From cutting-edge science to ancient wisdom, everyone seems to be chasing the secret to a long life.
Of course, the desire to live longer isn’t new—it’s just the latest flavor of an age-old pursuit. But Thomas à Kempis, with his timeless wisdom, pierces through all the noise: “It is vanity to wish for a long life and to care little about leading a good life.”
How often do we put more effort into living longer than into living well? We pour energy into extending our time on earth but neglect the one thing that will truly matter when our time is up: how we spent it.
A long life is not inherently a good life. A good life is one lived in love and service to God and neighbor, full of virtue, kindness, and purpose. It’s not measured by years, but by how we spend those years.
Longevity may be a gift, but goodness is the goal. May we strive not just for more years, but for lives well-lived, offering each moment to the glory of God.