Courage

Upon immigrating from South Africa to Britain in 1998, at the height of the confusion following the release of Mandela, I joined a pharmaceutical company that owned a chain of retail pharmacies in North Wales. There was some apprehension regarding my suitability, not having worked in a retail pharmacy for 25 years. I was 63 years old, an age at which some might consider undertaking a challenge of this magnitude to be rash. I was not unaware of the responsibility and the potential for unforeseen complications. Yet, a potent combination of determination and a thirst for a new adventure propelled me forward. This determination, I found, was a powerful force that could overcome any obstacle. Upon my arrival, a young pharmacist was assigned to oversee my orientation and evaluate my aptitude. A palpable contrast, the seasoned experience marked initial interactions juxtaposed with her youthful energy. As the orientation progressed, I drew upon a reservoir of knowledge and skills honed over decades of practice. Together, we navigated the complexities of the environment, each contributing our unique strengths to the shared goal. The initial uncertainties gave way to mutual respect and a collaborative spirit. It was a testament to the power of intergenerational partnerships and the enduring value of experience in the face of new challenges. Our collaboration, despite our age difference, was a key factor in my successful adaptation to the pharmacy setting, highlighting the importance of diversity and teamwork in any work environment. 

Limited to observing the familiar, I felt unable to contribute further. After some days of visiting shops, I arrived at a rather busy pharmacy. I felt completely out of place and could contribute nothing. Just prior to the lunch break, the young dispensary assistant, a key member of the pharmacy team responsible for various tasks, including customer service and inventory management, made it known that she was unwell and would not return after the break. Upon reopening the shop, the resident pharmacist returned from the local doctor's surgery with a handful of prescriptions. He confessed that there were more prescriptions than ever before and that he had to catch a train to London at 6 pm. He thereupon dumped the pile of prescriptions at the side of the computer and disappeared. I squared up before the machine and found the capture of the scripts straightforward. By the time he returned, I had processed many of the prescriptions, complete with dosage labels. When my tutor arrived to collect me, I processed a pile of prescriptions that were ready for dispensing. It took the rest of the afternoon for the two pharmacists to complete the dispensing in time for the train to be caught. The next day, the CEO of the organisation, together with the personnel manager and a new car, arrived. They were impressed by my adaptability and the speed at which I had learned the new system. They proclaimed that I needed no further training and should begin locum duties right away, a decision that validated my determination and the power of intergenerational collaboration. 

 Does life need a purpose to have value?

Is choosing how we die the ultimate expression of our freedom, or does it undermine the value of life? Recent comments on the news highlighted an ongoing discussion about assisted dying, raising concerns about its potential to devalue life. However, determining whether assisted dying truly diminishes the value of life is a complex matter with no straightforward answer. Different cultures and religions view this issue differently, influencing how assisted dying is seen and its effects on life's value.

But the question of life's value extends far beyond the debate around assisted dying. In the postmodern era, the rejection of absolute truths has led to a profound shift in how individuals seek meaning and purpose. No longer tethered to traditional religious or societal narratives, individuals are left to create their own values and meaning in a world where multiple perspectives and truths coexist.  

I remember lying in a hospital bed, ravaged by a COVID cytokine storm, feeling so weak and utterly alone. In those moments, the thought of a peaceful, chosen end seemed comforting. It's a memory that haunts me as I ponder the news and the ongoing debate surrounding assisted dying.

This newfound freedom can be liberating and daunting. On one hand, it allows for greater individual expression and the ability to craft a life that aligns with personal values and desires. The absence of a single, universal truth can create a sense of existential anxiety and uncertainty. Without a prescribed road map for meaning, individuals are left to navigate a landscape of endless possibilities, unsure of which path to take.

Those in favour of assisted dying emphasise the importance of personal freedom and the right to make choices about one's life and death, especially when facing unbearable suffering. On the other hand, some argue that human life is sacred and should be protected unconditionally, believing that assisted dying undermines the inherent value of life.

Historically, from 1650 to 1950, Christianity heavily influenced Western culture. Many people believed the Bible held the answer to life's purpose, often interpreted as serving and worshipping God. This purpose could involve individual salvation, contributing to society's well-being, or taking part in God's divine plan.

However, the postmodern era, emerging in the late 20th century, changed how people view truth and knowledge. Postmodernism rejects absolute truths and emphasises that knowledge is constructed and subjective. This shift significantly affects our understanding of life's purpose.

According to postmodernism, there is no inherent or universal purpose for everyone. Instead, individuals create and define their own purpose. This means that the purpose of life isn't something to be discovered, but something we actively create through our interactions with the world and others.

This postmodern view has profound implications for how we live. Without a single objective purpose we are free to create our own and live according to our values and desires. This freedom can be both liberating and daunting, as the responsibility for finding meaning and purpose rests solely on our shoulders.

Ultimately, whether life has a purpose is a personal choice and interpretation. There's no right or wrong answer, and everyone must decide for themselves. However, the postmodern perspective challenges traditional notions of purpose and encourages us to consider creating our own unique and meaningful lives.

In the absence of absolute truth, the question of whether life has inherent value becomes even more pressing. If there is no universal meaning to life, does that mean it is inherently meaningless? Or does it mean that we are empowered to create our own meaning, thereby giving life value?

This is a question with no straightforward answer. The postmodern perspective challenges us to confront the existential uncertainty that comes with the rejection of absolute truth. But it also offers the possibility of a more authentic and personalised meaning-making process. We are no longer bound by pre-determined narratives, but free to create our own stories and find meaning in the relationships, experiences, and values that resonate with us.