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Boston Globe Obituary writer shares 6 life lessons: from the dead

by Rhonda J Mangus | December 11, 2009 at 03:58 am

829 views | 40 Recommendations | 11 comments

What does an obituary writer learn about life from covering the dead? [Boston Globe] asked the Globe's Bryan Marquard, who has written nearly 800 obituaries since switching to that beat three and a half years ago. Every day, he opens a window into the lives of others, how people live, and how they're remembered.

Boston Globe Obituary writer Bryan Marquard shares 6 life lessons he has learned from the dead in this slide-show presentation. The 6 life lessons are all worth considering, even though some may be expected. But, you can decide for yourself if these 6 life lessons: from the dead are worth considering.

The first lesson: Be nice is followed by Don't be mean, If you want to live long, retire young..., Or don't retire at all, You don't have to be rich -- or even have a home (good to know), and last, but not least, Act now.

To get you started, Be nice:

Simple enough advice, but we rarely think of it in terms of memories that linger after we're gone. No matter what you accomplish, how you treat people has a lot to do with how you will be remembered.

Continue here.

Discuss: What lessons have you learned from life?

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Uwe Paschen

at 04:17 on December 11th, 2009

It is very short, live each day to the fullest for it may be the last.

Never put of for tomorrow what can be done today, for they may be no tomorrow.

Peace is worth keeping and forgiving is far better then revenge.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 04:18 on December 11th, 2009

So true, Paschen! Thank you for reading, sharing the life lessons you have learned, and for the rec!

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 04:46 on December 11th, 2009

My dad died very young, having worked hard all his life. The most important lesson I learned from that is, that you have to live life to the fullest and stop chasing a career. Retire early was the key for me, stop the excesses, forget the Jones' and do what is appropriate for you.

Working with horses has brought me pleasure and taught me patience.

You have to be happy with yourself before you can make others happy.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 05:00 on December 11th, 2009

I'm sorry to learn that your Dad died young, ACP. But the lessons you have taken from his death are very notable. Thanks so much for sharing and for the rec:)!

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 05:05 on December 11th, 2009

You're very welcome Rhonda, my mom is going strong:)

Rhonda J Mangus

at 05:06 on December 11th, 2009

Good for her, ACP! Thanks again!

Iffy (not verified)

at 07:55 on December 11th, 2009

Very nice thoughts from all: I retired when I hit 40. I had a career in various things: first the military, then healthcare, then new media, then diplomacy. I now run a company but it is all about the things I love so it doesn't feel like work at all. My family and friends come first.