Today, while trying to determine a topic to write about, I came across a film titled, Being 97. It is a short documentary sharing the reflective thoughts of Dr. Herbert Fingarette, American philosopher, and professor of philosophy. It was filmed by his grandson, Andrew Hasse, during the final months of Fingarett’s life. At age 97, Fingarette contemplates aging and the inevitability of death. He shares how, during these final years, he is met daily with loneliness and absence. He confides death is easier to understand theoretically but when viewed from a personal perspective death continues to be feared. He even says amid his loneliness, he would still like to stick around for awhile.
I appreciate Fingarette’s honesty and humility. He has written books on social issues such as addiction and, twenty years prior to this film, he wrote a book on dying. In the book, he states, “death itself is nothing, but the thought if it is like a mirror.” (Fingarette, 1996, pg. 5). However, in the film, he admits he often asks himself, “What’s the point of it all?” and says there may be no answer to the many questions surrounding death.
This film provides valuable insight, as Fingaratte shares thoughts and emotions likely experienced by the majority of our aging population. Give it a watch. I would love for you to share your thoughts on it.
References: Fingaretter, H. (1996). Death: Philosophical soundings. Peru, IL: Open Court Publishing
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