"Me parece que si tú o yo debemos elegir entre dos cursos de pensamiento o acción, deberíamos recordar nuestra muerte y tratar de vivir de tal manera que nuestra muerte no traiga placer al mundo."

Choosing between two paths—whether in thought or action—we should remember our mortality and strive to live in a way that our death brings no joy to others. This idea is all about living a life of integrity and kindness. It's about ensuring that when our time comes, people are saddened by our loss, rather than relieved or even pleased.

Let's dive back in time. This notion echoes the wisdom of many ethical and philosophical traditions that emphasize living morally and respecting others. It’s a call to be considerate and compassionate, to treat others well so that they value having known us.

Think about a teacher you had who made a lasting impact. For me, it was Mrs. Lawrence, my high school English teacher. She was tough, but fair. She pushed us to think deeply and express ourselves clearly. We grumbled about her strictness at times, but we respected her deeply. When she retired, the entire school community felt her absence keenly. No one was happy to see her go, and many of us returned to visit her, even after graduation. Mrs. Lawrence lived in a way that her departure left a void.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start small. Imagine you’re at work and a colleague messes up a project. You have a choice: berate them or offer constructive feedback. By choosing the latter, you build trust and respect. People remember how you make them feel. Treating others with empathy and understanding is the crux of this quote.

It can be even simpler. Think about how you interact with your family or your friends. Are you supportive? Do you listen? Living in a way that doesn't bring pleasure to others upon your departure means being the kind of person who uplifts those around you. It’s about being reliable, kind, and genuine.

Let's consider a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re in a heated argument with a friend. You have two choices: lash out and say hurtful things or take a deep breath and try to understand their perspective. The former might give you immediate satisfaction, but the latter solidifies your friendship. By opting for understanding and compassion, you're ensuring that your presence in your friend’s life is valued.

This way of living isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about consistently choosing to be a positive force. It’s about the thousand little decisions you make every day. When you’re kind, fair, and empathetic, you create an environment where people appreciate you. They don’t want to lose you because you add value to their lives.

In essence, this quote is a reminder of our shared humanity. It’s a call to live a life of such character that our loss is felt deeply. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about striving to be good, to be kind, and to be someone others are better for knowing. And, honestly, isn’t that what we all want? To be remembered fondly, with respect and love? That’s the heart of it.