I don't expect to live forever, but I do intend to hang on as

"I don't expect to live forever, but I do intend to hang on as long as possible." These words from Isaac Asimov reflect a profoundly human sentiment—an acceptance of our mortality paired with a fierce determination to live fully in the time we have. Asimov’s statement speaks to the fragility of life and the impermanence of human existence, yet it also conveys a resolute spirit that refuses to give in to despair or resignation. His words carry a sense of purpose—the intention to not merely exist but to live with vigor and intent until the very end.

This attitude resonates with the ancient teachings of the Stoics, who believed that the most important aspect of life was not the length of time we have but how we use it. Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher and emperor, wrote in his Meditations that life is short, but that virtue and wisdom make even the briefest life worthwhile. The Stoics embraced death as a natural part of life, yet they urged us to live in accordance with nature, act with integrity, and fulfill our duties with honor. For them, living fully meant making the most of every moment rather than lamenting what we cannot control—the inevitable passage of time. Asimov’s perspective aligns with the Stoic view: life may be short, but how we live it is what matters most.

In the life of Alexander the Great, we see a figure who, despite his early death at the age of 32, lived with a fierce determination to make his life count. Alexander’s achievements were extraordinary, driven by an insatiable thirst for conquest and a vision that transcended the boundaries of his lifetime. He lived not in the expectation of immortality, but in a constant pursuit of something greater than himself—whether in battle, in culture, or in the unification of his empire. Alexander’s life reminds us that even in the face of death, the desire to persevere, to achieve, and to leave a legacy is a powerful force. Asimov’s quote channels this same spirit: the goal is not to live forever, but to make the most of the time we have.

Consider also the example of Leonardo da Vinci, whose life and works exemplify a similar resolve to hang on and create, despite the impermanence of life. Da Vinci, though often unfinished in his projects, never ceased to engage with the wonders of the world around him. He pursued not just art, but also science, anatomy, and engineering, forever seeking to uncover the mysteries of life. Though his time was limited, his determination to explore and understand the world ensured that his legacy endured long after his death. Da Vinci’s unwavering commitment to creation is a perfect embodiment of Asimov’s spirit: to press forward, regardless of how much time remains, and to maximize every opportunity to learn and contribute.

In modern times, we can look at figures like Stephen Hawking, who, despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and given only a few years to live, continued to make groundbreaking contributions to science for decades. Hawking, like Asimov, understood the finite nature of life but resolved to hang on for as long as possible—not out of mere survival, but to continue his work, to share his knowledge, and to inspire others. His life was an example of resilience and determination, showing that even when faced with great adversity, the human spirit can press forward with purpose and impact. Asimov’s words resonate in Hawking’s life: it is not enough to simply live, but to live with meaning.

The lesson embedded in Asimov’s words is one of perseverance and purpose. Life may be short, and we may not be able to control how long we have, but we do have power over how we spend our time. It is not the length of life that defines its worth, but the intensity with which we approach it. We are all, in some sense, temporary beings in a vast and ever-changing universe, but our choices, actions, and legacy can transcend the limits of time. By committing ourselves fully to our passions, relationships, and pursuits, we find a sense of immortality in the impact we make.

In practical terms, we can embrace this lesson by living with intention—by focusing on what truly matters to us and refusing to waste time on what does not. Whether through the pursuit of knowledge, creativity, or service to others, we can ensure that every day is an opportunity to make our lives meaningful. We must not wait for a future that may never come; rather, we must act now, with the knowledge that life is both fragile and precious. Live fully, and in doing so, hang on as long as possible—because, in the end, it is not the years that matter, but the moments that are lived with purpose.