Summary
In "Gratitude," Oliver Sacks reflects on the beauty of life, the inevitability of death, and the experiences that have shaped him. Written in the last years of his life, these essays offer a poignant and deeply personal exploration of what it means to live fully, even in the face of mortality. Sacks shares his thoughts on aging, his terminal illness, and the relationships that have sustained him, revealing a profound sense of gratitude for the simple gifts of existence.
The collection opens with "Mercury," a piece written shortly before his eightieth birthday, celebrating the joys of old age while acknowledging its challenges. Sacks marvels at the prospect of reaching eighty, intertwining elements and birthdays since childhood. He expresses gratitude for a life filled with both wonderful and horrible experiences, the ability to write, and the connections he's made with others. He touches on regrets but focuses on the enlargement of mental life and perspective that comes with age.
"My Own Life" is a raw and honest account of coming to terms with a terminal cancer diagnosis. Sacks reflects on the nine years of good health and productivity he was granted since his initial diagnosis, and the importance of living out his remaining months in the richest, deepest way possible. He draws inspiration from David Hume, embracing study, gaiety, and detachment as he confronts his own mortality. He shares his life, relationships, and the recognition that there is no time for anything inessential.
"My Periodic Table" delves into Sacks' lifelong fascination with the elements, using them as a lens through which to view his own life and mortality. He reflects on the transience of life and the beauty of the natural world, finding comfort in the nonhuman. He surrounds himself with metals and minerals, emblems of eternity, as death becomes an ever-present reality. He recalls a recent, awe-inspiring, starlit night, which triggered a potent recognition of his life’s remaining time.
"Sabbath" explores Sacks' complex relationship with his Jewish upbringing and the concept of Sabbath. He recounts his childhood experiences with Orthodox traditions, the impact of the Second World War on his community, and his eventual divergence from formal religious practice. He reflects on the peace and remoteness from worldly concerns that the Sabbath represents, wondering what his life might have been had he remained within that tradition. Despite his distance from formal religion, he recognizes the profound beauty and value of the Sabbath as a time of rest and reflection, achieving a sense of peace within oneself.