Paul Kalanithi

Paul Kalanithi was a neurosurgeon, writer, and professor of American literature and culture. He was born in 1977 and grew up in Kingman, Arizona. He completed his undergraduate studies in human biology at Stanford University before going on to receive a master’s degree in English literature from Cambridge University in the U.K. He then went on to receive a medical degree in neurosurgery from the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Although he had a strong academic background and a promising career in neurosurgery, Paul Kalanithi had a passion for writing. He wrote essays and poetry, and during his time at Stanford, he studied different aspects of literature and culture. He was an avid reader, and he developed an in-depth understanding of the written word. Over the years, he used his passion for writing to share powerful and inspiring stories about life, death, and the many struggles in between.

Kalanithi’s writing reached a worldwide audience after he published When Breath Becomes Air (2016). The book is a memoir that recounts his journey and experience as a doctor and patient with terminal cancer. His poignant and heartbreaking account resonated with readers of all walks of life. In many ways, it acted as a reminder of how precious life is, and how we need to make sure we use every moment to live fully and without fear of death.

The incredible success of When Breath Becomes Air has led to the posthumous recognition of Kalanithi’s legacy. The New York Times praised it as “a moving, beautifully written account of Kalanithi’s life,” noting how the book combined memoir material with philosophical reflections on life’s limitations and the meaning of death. In 2017, Kalanithi was honored with the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award in memory of a great writer, and his work was also adapted for film.

At the heart of Kalanithi’s writing was a deep respect for life. His experience of coming face-to-face with his own mortality made him realize the power of living in the present and embracing every day. His words are an inspiration to all of us, compelling us to appreciate the value of life and make the most out of what we have.

Whether or not you’ve read When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi’s writing is sure to touch your heart and make you think deeply about life and death. He was a remarkable man whose words and courage will forever stay in our memories.