“I’m here for a good time, not a long time.” Those were the words from a man two months late on rent payments, with a new suspicious mole on his chest, and a close friend about to move cities. Nothing is going his way, yet he seems defiant in his belief that he is on the path to a fulfilling albeit short life. Comparing his existence to that of a firework, he is convinced that he will burn bright and explode in a spectacular yet brief candescence.
To make this declaration when one’s life is currently in shambles is a bold strategy. Unfortunately, it is one that is probably going to be entirely fruitless. Delusion may be powerful, but reality always wins. “A good time, not a long time.” Sadly, he is likely destined for neither. At least, all of his peers believe so.
“I look at his life. No offense, but I don’t want that,” said one of his childhood friends when asked whether he envied the alleged good time the man was having. “He had a gaping wound in the back of his leg from a bar fight. He fights a lot. Not well. Don’t think he’s ever won. For a guy who says he’s having a good time, he spends a lot of time getting beaten up.” Though it is true that some people enjoy enduring immense amounts of pain, this man is known to not be one of them. This is evidenced by his constant complaining seconds after every defeat in combat.
So where then, does this confidence come from? Does he have a history of decadence and privilege? No. He does not. It really just appears to be a coping mechanism. With that in mind, it does seem harsh to disprove his claim. Fine, he is not and likely will not be having a good time. That has been established. Instead, he can focus on the positives. What he got right.
“Life is short and I’m going to do crazy shit to make the most of it!” That is correct. Life is short. He will not be here for a long time.
The Ipe Collection 