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I think I started early on this
Jul 31, 2021,16:49 PM
Your post made me think hard about life, and how short and fragile it is actually.
Back in the 1950's, the life expectancy for men, in countries like Italy and UK, were hovering around 65 years old (Source: OurWorldinData). Nowadays, due to better lifestyles and healthcare, it is around 78 years old (but that really is a bonus). In my line, I see many patients pass away. It is quicker than many expect, and many do not even leave a will.
I think you posted a very deep question. These questions popped up:
1) Are we hoarders to no end, who'd likely want to be buried with the watches?
2) Are we givers of legacy? Each watch when bought has an end in mind, "I hope I can give this to my daughter/son when I pass..."
3) Do we put financial worth to watches? Or are they were functions of our ability to convert time to money?
4) If we die, and the watches are liquidated, will we be sad? Or otherwise, seeing the money going to other good uses?
5) Are we selfish or selfless? "No, these watches are mine, I don't want to think about the divestment plan, because I am going to live forever." contrasted with "they don't matter more than the memories we pass down. To whom deserves it most - I hope she/he remembers me when wearing it."
I've spend the week reflecting about life. In this reflection, I've reached the conclusion that I am not a hoarder, nor do I put any financial value to my watches. I told my loved ones which pieces will be theirs, and wish to see them wear the pieces I will leave to them, and don't mind using them hard and rough. I gave away 3 pieces last week, with clear messages to the recipients that it is better I give it to them while I am living. I gave away 6 pieces in total, over the past few years with the same message. My collection now has shrunk to 9 pieces, with clear recipients of each piece.
So giving away pieces while living is what I would do. Here are examples of what I did:
1) 3 pieces to my sister. "I hope you wear these often, and don't forget money is not the most important thing. Now you cannot say I enjoyed life more than you. I will buy you more if you like these. I may be blessed to earn more than you in this life, but money never brought me happiness, but the happiness to afford for those I love, which is priceless."
2) 1 piece to my former butler. "thanks for protecting me all these while. I hope you wear this rough, and eventually hand it to your son when he reaches 18. I will get you another piece then."
3) 1 piece to my classmate: "Thanks for looking out for me, and offering much emotional support. You made my life easier and brighter."
4) 1 piece to my buddy: "chef, I know you are scared to wear mechanical pieces and scratch them. Well, you can scratch this all you like. I like to see you wearing this daily and please scratch it up badly while you cook"
Sorry I wrote a lot here. I am a deep thinker, and delight most in mingling people who reflect on life. I am prepared to go any day. Each day is a bonus.