Trembling, the man looked down to where, far below, another tiger was waiting to eat him. Only the vine sustained him. Two mice, one white and one black, little by little started to gnaw away at the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. Grasping the vine with one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. How sweet it tasted!
facing death heightens awareness and appreciation of life's meaning.
Think not of the amount to be accomplished, the difficulties to be overcome, or the end to be attained, but
set earnestly at the little task at your elbow, letting that be sufficient for the day.
—SIR WILLIAM OSLER, physician (1849–1919