But we don't know by how much.

Are we better off not knowing when we'll die?

Or would a countdown help us all

to lead happier and more fulfilling lives?

What if you knew

exactly when you were going to die?

What would you change about the way you live?

It's not a cheery subject.

Not too many people like to talk about it.

Not too many people like to think about it.

Some people joke about it, but,

that doesn't make it any easier.

Death!

There, I said it.

It's scary, but it also rouses our curiosity.

"You guys really are dead!"

We all know we're gonna go, but,

we don't know where we're going,

and we don't know when!

These unknowns

are the source of a lot of anxiety.

"Do you fear death?"

But should they be?

What if knowing the future date and time

of our deaths actually helped us...

how should I say this...

rest in peace?

Despite the fact that

a lot of people around the world

suffer from thanatophobia,

a technical term for the fear of dying,

there are several compelling reasons why

knowing when you're going to die

is better than not knowing.

In a series of research studies, psychologists

asked people with terminal illnesses,

and inmates on death row,

to reflect on life,

knowing that theirs would soon be over.

They then asked a separate group of people

to imagine what it would be like

if they knew they were going to die.

In every study, those who knew

they were about to die

spoke more positively about life and death

compared to those who presumably

had a lot longer to live.

The people who didn't know

when they were going to die

found it harder not to think about the negatives:

feelings of loss, meaninglessness, and,

missing out on all the things

they didn't get to see or do.

But the group who knew

exactly how much time they had left

found peace in reflecting

on their life's experiences and accomplishments.

They appreciated their family and close friends,

and the happy memories they'd

accumulated over their lifetime.

But imminent death isn't just a time to reflect.

For many people, it confirms that

we should all live life to the fullest!

Once we know

how little time we actually have left,

truisms like, "you only live once,"

wouldn't sound like clichés.

You'd want to use your time effectively,

doing the things that mattered most to you.

And depending on your bucket list,

the sky is the limit!

Would you leap from the edge of space?

Or plunge to the deepest parts of the ocean?

Would you endeavor to see

as much of the world as possible?

Would you seek out new flavors,

or intense thrills to remind you

of what it means to be alive?

Or is life simpler than that?

Maybe you'd choose to spend

more time with family and close friends.

Maybe you'd tell someone special

how they really make you feel.

"You complete me."

The possibilities and combinations

are endless,

and almost unique to

every person on this planet.

But you know that some people

would still strive to live beyond their time.

It's estimated that roughly 1,000 young women

move to Hollywood every month

to try their luck at becoming a star.

To a lot of people,

this might sound like an act of pure naiveté,

or glaring vanity. But,

research suggests that the drive for fame

is a little deeper than that.

For those who have a hard time

coping with their mortality,

becoming famous or

having a legacy is comforting,

knowing that their name and reputation

will live on in the world, even after they're gone.

Of course, there are also plenty of examples

of people who, facing imminent death,

have used their remaining time

to champion important issues

and inspire positive change.

But whether you think

you'd choose to become an activist,

a star, a daredevil, or at one with nature,

the important takeaway is:

start living!

You don't need to know how much time is left

to start thinking about what it is you want to do,

and to go out there and do it!

But if you think knowing would help,

scientists have had some success

predicting the probability of your death by

looking at various markers in your blood.

AI is also getting good at

determining the length of your lifespan.

The idea that we all die someday

is undoubtedly scary, but,

as Edward Abbey once wrote,

"The fear of death follows from

the fear of life.

One who lives life fully

is prepared to die at any time.”

So start ticking off the items

on your bucket list,

remember that love and kindness

go a long way,

think of ways you can

make the world a better place

and take on the challenge!

Make the most of your time because,

life is short.

And unpleasant as that may seem,

isn't it for the best?

Well, could you imagine what

the world would be like if nobody died?

That's a story for another WHAT IF.