Ben Stiller hit the talk shows last week promoting his new film, Greenberg, using a clip that made me pause – as the advertisers obviously intended.
Playing a single, 40ish man at the crossroads of his life, Stiller responds to his friend’s lunchtime quip, “Life is wasted on the young,” with a more contemporary version than the originator of this line, George Bernard Shaw, may have envisioned.
Mid-sandwich, with every non-verbal necessary to convey that his friend has it all really wrong, Stiller deadpans, “Life is wasted on people.” The line hangs in the air like bitter broccoli rabe.
The collection of words brims with regret. No one likes to be reminded of the things they could have done in life, but didn’t. The nature of being young is that it is impossible to know what we do not know. But at 40, you should know more about life, happiness, the illusion of time, etc. (Well, shouldn’t you?)
More importantly, you should be adept at making good choices about work, life, what you want to get done while you are here, being happy, etc.
Taking Stiller’s line up a notch means asking - is life wasted on you? While there is such a thing as an unhealthy obsession with regret, I’m not suggesting you revel in what could have been.
Simply answer the question: Is life wasted on you?
6 Responses (add yours)
I honestly can’t wait to see this movie! I saw the previews a few months ago and was immediately hooked. I felt like I could totally relate to his character even in the short preview! I think (and hope) it will be as good as I expect and will shake up people’s vision of what life HAS to be and instead what it CAN be!
Viewers describe movie as “unforced temporary time out of life” and Stiller’s performance – “uncanny with intensity.” Plus, we are going to laugh. I’ll be seeing it too, Sherry!
Wonderful thoughts and writing–and thanks for the movie tip. What about life and waste? That’s a good one. So much of like appears to be a waste of time–like taking out the garbage, cleaning up after kids, and paying the bills. Yet Zen folks insist even mindless stuff can be meaningful if we are mindful enough. Sabbaticals can be the feast that fills heart and soul. But while doing daily doldrums, Ben and the rest of us should–to quote Warren Zevon when he was dying of cancer–Enjoy Every Sandwich. Hmmm, I’m hungry…Cheers, *kirk
Wow! That is great question. It reminds me of the Helen Keller quote, Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Like most people, I know I want my life to count for something. I can’t wait to see the movie.
Kirk,isn’t there resistance to “mindfulness” because it is work? Done right, mindfulness requires breaking old habits and behaviors and replacing them. In some people’s minds that’s as awesome a task as wanting to lose 15 pounds. Lots of motivation required and in some cases educating people on “new ways of eating.”
Let me play with your fabulous adjective – yes, the sabbatical is “feast-like.” But can individuals use the time to cultivate mindfulness on their own? Or do education and support make a better blend for successly returning to work and life with a new mindset?
Thanks for your comment which obviously inspires me to “challenge” my thinking on this.
I thought about Angela’s statement – “I know I want my life to count for something.” That has to be the best nugget applicable to everyone from this post. Thank you Angela.