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The question

If you had only one day left, how would you spend it — and what would you deliberately avoid?
AH
Amy Hempel

Short-story writer; teacher at the Michener Center for Writers

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here
I think that dying might bring about a profound loneliness. I don’t feel lonely in life, but I do think this would be a very hard discovery at the end. Assuming there might be a time of consciousness, I think that serious medication might be a help. Not to put me out, but to smooth things over. The last time I had surgery, the anesthesiologist visited me in Recovery and gave me a sheet of paper on which was listed all of the drugs he had administered. I was glad to get it after the surgery, since I went down the list thinking, That’s what killed Michael Jackson, that’s what killed Prince. I don’t take recreational drugs, never did, but I would like to have the option of taking the edge off of fear. People I love at my bedside—I don’t see that being a comfort, but a reminder of who I’ll be losing. Music might be welcome. I could imagine wanting to hear Jorma Kaukonen sing “Genesis.”

Anna DeForest, A Good Exit, a five-part column, The Believer, 2 June 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Jean-Benoît Dunckel Musician; one half of Air
I would make love all night. I don’t think I’d like to drink any alcohol or take any drugs because it cuts you off from reality and I would like to be really present and conscious during my last day on Earth.
Recorded Clash, Last Day On Earth, 19 February 2010 source ↗
Marcio Kogan Architect; founder of Studio MK27
I would have my last meal in my office – since I spend most of my time there. But to cook I’d invite the Riviera’s Argentine chef Luciano “Lucho” Nardelli. My guests would be the architects who have worked closely with me: Pedro Ribeiro, Diana Radomysler, Suzana Glogowski and Renata Furlanetto; we’re working on a fantastic project in Barcelona.
Recorded Monocle issue 76, September 2014, last-meal series source ↗
Dave Navarro Guitarist and songwriter; member of Jane's Addiction
To be honest, if it was my last day on Earth doing any type of work would probably be the last thing on my mind. So I don’t think there would be any professional endeavours on the last day on Earth. But, I’ve been to the North Pole so you might as well throw in the South Pole. Gotta check out the South Pole.
Recorded Clash, Last Day On Earth, 30 October 2009 source ↗
Rick Astley Singer, songwriter and radio presenter
I think I’d just like to be chilling out really, so it’s like real summer family holidays where the most important things to decide are what are you going to have for breakfast, what are you going to have for lunch, what beach are you going to, and what are you going to have for dinner.
Recorded Clash, Swan Song, 21 December 2016 source ↗

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