Talking to Strangers Could Seriously Enhance Your Afterlife
I rediscovered ‘Sum’ this weekend, a book of forty tales from the afterlife by David Eagleman. One tale ‘Circle of Friends’ explains that when we die, things feel much the same for us, but our world now consists only of the people we remember meeting. Initially that doesn’t feel so bad, but as time passes you realise how much poorer life feels, for not having the opportunity to encounter new people, strike up friendships and take delight in just how different we all are.
“At times our own light goes out and it is rekindled by other people.” Albert Schweitzer
I realise some of us might not be particularly keen to encourage chats with strangers, our current select coterie is perfectly adequate, thank you. But perhaps our lives could be enhanced by engaging in some random encounters. Smile at someone, exchange a few words, make someone laugh, say something kind. Who knows what delights are waiting to be discovered? Don’t stop there, why not extend this to new experiences, nothing major, maybe a new route to work, or home, exploring places where you live, wander into new spaces, a park, a gallery, a market. Go with fresh eyes ready and open to novelty and maybe try talking to some of those people you encounter on the way.
“You can make more friends in 2 months by becoming interested in other people, than you can in 2 years by trying to get other people interested in you.” Dale Carnegie
If David Eagleman is correct, we will be paving the way to a much more interesting after life, but just as importantly, in doing so, we will be creating a much richer ‘This life.’ Enjoy.
“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it’s a memory.” Dr Seuss
Cover Image: Photograph by Aleksander Rodchenko
Image 1 – Photograph by Tony Ray-Jones
Image 2 – Photograph of Coney Island 1942 by Weegee
Image 3 – From the series ‘Failed Memories’ by David Szauder
Hyperlink to David Eagleman website https://www.eagleman.com/
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#life #qualityoflife #connecting #people #strangers #communication #discovery #friendship #curiosity #afterlife #wellbeing
Co-Founder at 8 in the Universe Limited
5 年I too love the idea and approach to life that this article captures. How we have the power to make small but significant changes that can seriously enhance our life, our afterlife! Thanks Marian.
Senior HR Manager at Oxera Consulting LLP
5 年I love this idea, even if being brave enough to strike up a unexpected conversation seems daunting. But in a city as reportedly lonely as London it seems like worth trying.