McDowell 1

Isaac McDowell

Mrs. Bowyer

English 4

1 November 2018

The Value of Life

Everything around us is valuable to some degree, others more than not. Joy can be found

in all things if we change the way we view the world around us. As a society and as individuals

we must recognize life holds value because we can contribute to society, find joy in the world

around us, and have the ability to reason. Life is immensely valuable, we all must know that for

ourselves. Roger Ebert is a great example of that, showing perseverance through hard times and

finding value when there seemed to be none.

What does contributing to society have to do with the value of life? Researchers have been

measuring the benefits of contribution to others. There findings reveal that helping others

reduces stress and depression. Also promoting healthy social connections while giving a sense of

purpose (Health Plans Website). ¨I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities,

we have done something to make others a little happier, that is about the best we can do, ¨ says

Ebert (Jones 34). After Ebert lost his ability to speak he was still able to contribute to society,

writing letters and articles of his experiences to motivate others. It gave him purpose.

What would life be like without joy? What would be the point in living if nothing made us

laugh or brought enjoyment. That is how Will Traynor felt. ¨If we cannot live the life we love

living or find the enjoyment we desire, why be here? (Me Before You). Will, had been paralyzed

from the neck down after being hit by a motorcycle. He felt as if he could no longer be happy,

and partook in assisted suicide. Depression comes from not having enough humor. Just like Will,
 McDowell 2

Ebert lost everything. Ebert was able to find a new bliss. ¨Ebert takes joy from the world in

nearly all the ways he once did. He found a new way to laugh-by closing his eyes and slapping

both hands on his knees-but he still laughs¨ (Jones 35). I have dealt with cancer, not on an Ebert

scale at all but I understand. When I was receiving treatments, it was so easy to get depressed

and have no joy at all; however, I made an effort to find glee. I would constantly bug my nurses

to bring me cranberry juice. Then I would ask for a wheelchair, (making up and excuse for why I

needed it) but really just to fly through the halls. I was able to find delight which got me through

it.

If we can reason, can we contribute to society and find humor in this life? Yes! Any

human being with the ability to reason has a life worth living. Will Traynor thought differently.

¨He didn't believe he could amount to anything anymore so he felt assisted suicide was the only

way¨ (Me Before You). I strongly disagree; Will was an incredibly smart man. As he would speak

to Lou, an assumption of his intelligence could be made. Will could have done so much. Yes, he

would have had to adapt to his new way of living but he could have done it. Being honest, the

only time I believe assisted suicide may be needed is if, a person cannot reason, is stuck in a bed,

on life support, and being fed through a tube, I don't know if that is a life worth living. Unless

that is you, no excuse.

This life is so valuable. Nobody ever said it was going to be perfect or a walk in the park. I

believe Will Traynor was a weak, and selfish person. But Roger Ebert was something else. He

didn't let his circumstances get in the way of him loving his best life. We are not defined by our

physical nature, but our heart and mind. If we as a society and as individuals and recognize these

three traits; man, will it be a life worth living.

 McDowell 3

Word Count: 723

Works Cited

Jones, Chris. ¨Rodger Ebert: The Essential Man.¨ Esquire 16 Feb. 2010. Web.

Me before you. Dir. Thea Sharrock. Perf. Emilia Clarke, Sam Claffin. MGM, 2016. DVD.

“Good Giving: Why Helping Others Is Good for Your Heart and Your Health.” Providence,