Do we care about improving the world because it alleviates the fear of death? That was the thought I had last night while laying my head down to rest on my pillow. Do I care about climate change, the politico-economic system, and education simply because it’s a distraction from the knowledge of the inevitable? Why do some folks truly care about making a difference, while others are content with making a living? Is the notion of legacy, of leaving the world better than you found it, nothing more than our ego trying to control one additional matter? These deep questions bear a lot of weight and deserve introspection. Discovering and acknowledging our “why,” our “raison d’être,” can help guide us when the road becomes difficult. It can also make light times that much more enjoyable. Despite our inescapable fate, I believe we do matter, and that our actions matter. Changing the world will make someone else’s brief time here just a little bit better, and I think that’s worth the toil. After all, don’t we enjoy such a luxurious quality of life because of the work and sacrifices of countless others? Death is coming, that’s for sure. Striking the balance between impact and joy seems to be the best way to meet it.