USA: When Breath Becomes Air is a book by Paul Kalanithi, an American neurosurgeon and neuroscientist who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 36. The book was published posthumously in 2016 after Kalanithi died in 2015.
In the book, Kalanithi reflects on his life and his career and on what it means to be alive and to face death. He writes about his experiences as a doctor, his relationship with his wife Lucy, and the birth of their daughter Cady. He also explores his mortality and the Meaning of life in the face of death.
Kalanithi’s book is a moving and thought-provoking meditation on life and death. It is a must-read for anyone who has ever faced loss or is simply curious about what it means to be human.
Here is a summary of the book’s key messages:
• Life is precious and should be cherished.
• It is essential to find Meaning and purpose in life.
• Death is a natural part of life and should be faced with courage and grace.
• We should be grateful for the time we have and for the people we love.
When Breath Becomes Air is a powerful and moving book that will stay with you long after reading it.
It is a must-read for anyone who wants to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Here are some additional takeaways from the book:
• It is essential to be present in the moment and to savour the small things in life.
• We should not be afraid to talk about death and to share our grief with others.
• We should be kind to ourselves and others.
• We should make the most of our time and live our lives to the fullest.
When Breath Becomes, Air is a beautiful and inspiring book that will change one’s thoughts about life and death. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
The book also reminds one to learn several lessons about Death and Life:-
1. Death is inevitable: This is a simple but profound truth that Kalanithi faced head-on after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 36. His book is a meditation on what it means to die and how to live in the face of death.
2. Life is precious: The knowledge of his mortality made Kalanithi appreciate life even more. He writes, “It is only when you are faced with the reality of your death that you truly appreciate the value of your life.”
3. Meaning is found in connection: Kalanithi found meaning in his relationships with his family and friends, as well as in his work as a neurosurgeon. He writes, “Meaning is not something you find. It is something you create. It is created in the relationships you have, in the work you do, and in the legacy you leave behind.”
4. It is essential to live in the present moment: Kalanithi was forced to let go of his long-term plans and focus on the present moment. He writes, “The only thing that matters is the present moment. That is all we have.”
5. Suffering is a part of life: Kalanithi experienced a great deal of suffering during his illness. However, he believed that Suffering can also lead to growth and insight.
He writes, “Suffering can be a gift. It can teach us about ourselves and the world in ways one would never learn otherwise.”
6. It is essential to be grateful for what we have: Kalanithi was thankful for the good things in his life, even in the face of his illness. He writes, “Gratitude is the most important quality to have. It allows us to appreciate the good things in our lives, even when things are tough.”
7. It is important to forgive: Kalanithi forgave himself and others for the mistakes they had made. He writes, “Forgiveness is not about forgetting the past. It is about letting go of the anger and resentment that we hold onto. It is about moving on.”
8. It is essential to have Hope: Kalanithi never gave up Hope, even in the face of his terminal diagnosis. He writes, “Hope is not about believing that things will get better. It is about believing that we can find Meaning and purpose in life, even when things are difficult.”
