[Mad Dawg]

The writer describes 35 as when you're life has "barely begun". So, Ste Terese, having died before she got out of her 20's was an egomaniac whose life was over before it had barely begun. Very paradoxical, these Carmelites. But more formally, if a man's life expectancy is less than 80 years, at 35 you're 5 years short of more than half-way through.

My point, and I do have one, is that this isn't an article, it's a rant. I generally like rants, but, like 'em or not, I don't argue with them. A nice soothing "There, there," and an offer of chamomile tea is more useful, I suppose.

[RobbyS]

A little historical perspective: a hundred years ago many in the West died before the age of 40. Most men went to work at age 14 and married when they were old enough to support a wife. Even those who lived long lives usually had some malady. The revolution in human expectations of health caused by the medical "miracles' of the last century and a half has ended with the delusion that death itself can be conquered.