Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston explores the universal truths of aging and mortality and provides insight into how we can apply the knowledge of life’s brevity and impermanence to the way we live. Written in the style of a memoir, Livingston shares what he has learned in his life, based on his own experiences and those of the people he’s met throughout his career. The book’s core message: living life with a heightened awareness of our mortality and finite existence will lead to a better, happier life.
Livingston begins the book by exploring the idea that there are no right answers or one-size-fits-all solutions to life’s challenges—just our own personal observations and what we have learned from them. He cites his own battle with depression, which led him to eventually seek professional help, as an example. By recognizing his own inner struggle and seeking help, he gained true wisdom. This idea is seen throughout the entire book—that it is never too late to learn from our past experiences, no matter how difficult or painful they may be.
The book continues with Livingston exploring various life lessons he has learned throughout his journey, including the importance of resilience, dealing with failure, and being kind to ourselves. He encourages readers to look for the small joys in life and to keep perspective even in times of difficulty. He also stresses the importance of savoring the present. As he says, “The past is gone, the future is unknowable, and today is all there is.”
Livingston also looks at how our mortality affects how we live and how we relate to the world around us. He encourages us to take risks, to be patient with ourselves, and to cultivate relationships with those we hold dear. He explains that death is inevitable and how knowing this fact can help us appreciate life more and find peace. He admonishes us not to place too much emphasis on material things or spend our lives chasing after false gods, but to instead focus on creating meaning and joy in our lives.
Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart by Gordon Livingston is an inspiring exploration of the intersection between life and death and how we can navigate our lives in a meaningful way. He encourages us not to take anything for granted and to live each day with a newfound appreciation for life’s fragility and beauty. With Livingston’s engaging stories and insights, Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart will leave readers with a profound new outlook on life and death and how to use it for greater purpose.
