The End Of The World
“Your worst fears that the world will end are confirmed by astronomers of Franklin Institute, Philadelphia. Scientists predict that the world will end at 3 P.M. Eastern Standard Time tomorrow.”
On Saturday, I pointed at the massive entrance of The Franklin Institute and recounted this statement to the participants of The Few Fest 003.
It was announced on the Philadelphia radio station KYW in 1940, sending the entire city into a wave of panic unlike any before.
People flooded the streets. Calls flooded the emergency lines. Fear flooded the air.
Of course, it was a hoax. The only thing that ended the following day was the job of the press agent who released the statement.
But why did it massively panic the residents of the city?
Sure, they were afraid to die…
But I think they panicked because they realized they hadn’t yet lived.
There were more words to say, more letters to write, more risks to take, more places to visit, more people to meet…
And they were out of time. There was no more time to say “I love you," no more time to change “I should” to “I did.” That is why they were fear-stricken.
Unfortunately, not much has changed since 1940.
Most days, we’re still blind to the fact that tomorrow is not promised, Joey.
So, I ask you:
What would you do today if you knew you would die tomorrow?
Heavy, I know. But it needs to be asked.
E-mail (joey at fewwillhunt dot com) or DM me and tell me. It stays between us.
I’ll go first:
I’d gather my family, hug them, kiss them, and tell them how much I love them, how proud I am of them… and why. I’d tell them always to work hard to build belief in themselves and give away all they’ve learned to the world. Then, I’d prepare myself alone by reflecting with gratitude on the times I lived life well and asking forgiveness for the times I didn’t.
Looking forward to your reply,
Joey
