Would You Choose $10 Million or A Second Chance at Life? A Thought Experiment

We've all encountered intriguing hypothetical questions that prompt deep introspection (I love these Thinker Toys!). One such question that's been circling social media platforms asks: "Would you rather have $10 million or go back to the age of six with the knowledge you have today?" It's not just a choice between money and time but a deeper reflection on our values, regrets, ambitions, and the essence of life itself.

The [Hypothetical] Story of Jane

Jane, a 45-year-old venture capitalist, once confessed that given the choice, she'd pick the $10 million without hesitation. Having grown up in poverty, she sees the sum as an opportunity to secure the future of her children and their education. It's not just about luxury or comfort for her; it's about ensuring that her lineage has a solid foundation, devoid of the struggles she endured. Would you do the same?

Before we dig in, which option resonates with you the most: $10 Million or a Second Chance at Life? Drop your choice in the comments below and share a line about why you'd choose it!

Existentialist View:

??Jean-Paul Sartre and his existentialist colleagues might argue for the value of authenticity. Going back in time could be seen as a denial of one's lived experiences and the essence of who you've become. On the other hand, could it be the ultimate exercise in freedom and choice, core tenets of existentialism?

Stoicism:

??A Stoic, like Marcus Aurelius, might emphasize the acceptance of the present moment and the relinquishment of desires. Instead of longing for a revised past or a wealthier present, Stoics might encourage us to find contentment in the now.

Hedonism:

??The pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain is central to hedonism. If you believe that revisiting the past would bring more pleasure or that the $10 million would lead to a happier life, the hedonist philosophy might guide your choice.

Confucianism:?

??Rooted in family, morality, and societal order, Confucius might prompt us to consider the broader implications on our family and society. Would our choice lead to a harmonious life that benefits not just us but those around us?

Where I am today, I would certainly choose to take my existing knowledge and start again at 6 years old. Even Warren Buffett can't buy more time to live and experience all that life has to offer. For sure it would be difficult to relive the pains of adolescence and losing my mom to cancer, but with the tools I have today I could walk into those moments with greater presence, greater empathy, greater foresight. Along the way I'd probably take more risks and vocalize my needs earlier, which would benefit the people closest to me and ideally the greater community too.

While this thought experiment is a blend of fun and introspection, it opens doors to deeper philosophical and ethical inquiries. Regardless of our choices, the question reminds us of the invaluable nature of both time and knowledge and challenges us to utilize both wisely in our current reality. Every day we are gifted 86,400 seconds to live.

What do you think? What other philosophical views could shed light on this dilemma? Share your thoughts and let's dive deeper into this intriguing question together.