Why We Die by Venki Ramakrishnan: A Meaningful Look at Mortality
- Anca Alexandra Pasareanu
- Aug 12
- 9 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
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Introduction
I first picked up “Why We Die” out of sheer curiosity. As someone who has always tiptoed around the topic of mortality, I thought reading a book that confronts it head-on would be uncomfortable — and it was. But it was also eye-opening in the best way possible.
Venki Ramakrishnan, a Nobel Prize-winning biologist, brings a rare blend of a scientific and soulful perspective on death. A rigor and poetic introspection to the ultimate human question: why do we die? Through fascinating explanations and deeply personal stories, he explores the biological, evolutionary, and philosophical reasons behind our mortality.
This isn’t just another science book. It’s a profound meditation on life itself.
My key takeaways
Aging is not a mistake of nature, but an evolutionary trade-off. We age because natural selection favours reproduction over long-term maintenance of our bodies. In simpler words, evolution doesn’t “care” about keeping us alive forever — it only “cares” about passing on our genes.
Cells are constantly in battle. Even when we feel perfectly fine, our cells are busy repairing DNA damage, fighting off rogue cancer cells, and dealing with a constant barrage of stressors. Death is the eventual result of this never-ending battle.
Immortality might not be as desirable as we think. Ramakrishnan argues that the finite nature of life gives it meaning. Without an end point, would we truly appreciate the moments we have?
Science is advancing, but there are limits. While we’ve made strides in longevity research, there’s still no magic pill to stop aging. And perhaps that’s a good thing.
One of the key reflections I had while digesting these points is how much of our cultural fear around death actually disconnects us from living fully in the present. The science of aging and mortality reminds me that death is woven into the fabric of life, and by resisting it, we lose touch with the preciousness of every breath.
This awareness feels like a gentle invitation to slow down, appreciate impermanence, and find freedom in the now—a deeply healing perspective for mental and emotional well-being.
My favourite quotes
While reading Why We Die, I found myself underlining passages, scribbling notes in the margins, and just sitting in awe. These lines, in particular, stuck with me — not just as interesting facts, but as quiet invitations to re-examine how I live each day:
"Reducing caloric intake of daily food also increases lifespan and reduces fecundity."
This one fascinated me. It turns out that by eating less — truly eating to live rather than living to eat — many animals (including us) can extend their lives. It's almost as if nature is encouraging moderation as a quiet, lifelong companion.
"Having fewer children extends women’s life expectancy."
This was both surprising and sobering. The energy cost of reproduction is high, and fewer pregnancies seem to help women live longer, healthier lives. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between creating life and preserving it.
"The maximum human lifespan tested by scientists is about 120 years."
That number — 120 — felt oddly comforting to me. It places a natural upper limit, reminding us that no matter what we do, there’s a finite arc. Perhaps that's what makes each day feel precious.
"Aging is an accumulation of damage to our molecules, cells, and tissues due to a variety of causes."
This single line captures so much. Aging isn’t a sudden switch but a slow collection of tiny injuries and repairs, like a beloved sweater slowly fraying at the edges.
"Every one of us is a living testament to the fact that DNA by itself does not determine fate."
I absolutely love this. It highlights the beautiful interplay between our genes and the lives we choose to live — our habits, our environment, our mindset. We are not just pre-written codes.
"Nearly all cultures considered fasting and moderation a key to a long and healthy life, and gluttony to be a vice."
Across time and continents, wisdom keeps whispering the same truth: simplicity and restraint can lead to vitality. A powerful collective human intuition that we often ignore today.
"In 2009, the University of Wisconsin found that rhesus monkeys lived longer and were healthier and more youthful when subjected to caloric restriction."
It’s not just theory — we see this in practice. The fact that monkeys lived longer and looked more youthful when eating less connects directly back to our own choices.
"Sleep deprivation increases the risk of many diseases of aging, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease."
We glorify hustling and late nights, but our bodies pay the price. This line was a stark wake-up call for me to cherish sleep as the quiet healer it truly is.
"An old saw holds that the human body replaces itself every 7 years; in other words, after 7 years, you are an entirely new collection of cells."
Imagine that! We’re always in flux, always renewing. This makes me think about how much possibility exists in each moment — if our bodies can change this dramatically, maybe our minds and lives can too.
These quotes, while scientific in nature, also spoke to my emotional experience of aging and mortality. They helped me see death not as a cold biological fact, but as an intimately human story — one that blends the fragility and resilience of life.
This blend of science and soul is rare and profoundly comforting. It’s the kind of knowledge that invites you to embrace vulnerability while cultivating hope and acceptance.
Personal reflection
Reading “Why We Die” forced me to confront the discomfort I’ve always felt about death. I used to think of death as this looming, dark presence — a finish line I didn’t want to reach. But Ramakrishnan’s words helped me reframe it as a natural and part of the story.
The book also made me realize how often we avoid talking about death, almost as if silence could protect us. But the more I read, the more I understood that acknowledging mortality actually enriches life. It makes every sunset feel a little warmer, every hug last a bit longer, and every mundane moment shimmer with hidden significance.
This shift in perspective around death is something I’ve been carrying into my daily life consciously. I find myself more patient, less distracted by trivial worries, and more willing to lean into discomfort—whether that’s difficult conversations or the uncertainty of the future.
Accepting death as a constant companion softens the sharp edges of anxiety and opens a space for gratitude and presence. It’s a subtle emotional growth that doesn’t always make headlines but transforms how I experience everything from relationships to work to quiet moments alone.
How this book shifted my thinking and how I’m applying it
Before this book, I obsessed over longevity: supplements, strict diets, exercise regimes. I wanted to stretch my timeline as far as possible. Now, I see that while caring for my health is important, it shouldn’t overshadow the actual living part of life.
I’m learning to lean into presence rather than preservation. To focus on the joy of today instead of worrying so much about extending tomorrow.
This mindset shift is subtle but powerful. It changed how I prioritize my days. I’m more willing to say “yes” to spontaneous plans, to eat the dessert, to laugh loudly even when it feels silly. I’m embracing imperfection, knowing that every crack and wrinkle is part of the fleeting beauty of being alive.
I’ve also started to journal more frequently about my fears and hopes surrounding death—not to dwell in fear, but to illuminate the shadows that keep me from fully living. This practice, inspired indirectly by the book, creates a bridge between intellectual understanding and emotional processing. It’s a tool I recommend to anyone who wants to explore how accepting mortality can improve mental health, emotional resilience, and even creativity.
The science — and the humanity
One of the most beautiful parts of the book is how Ramakrishnan bridges hard science and deep humanity. He explains the mechanisms of aging and death — telomeres shortening, DNA damage, cellular senescence — but never loses sight of the person behind the cell.
He weaves in stories of his own family, his cultural reflections on death, and philosophical musings that read almost like poetry. It reminded me that science, at its best, doesn’t just give us facts; it helps us make sense of our place in the universe.
This blending of empirical research and heartfelt storytelling is rare in scientific literature. It reminded me that the “science of mortality” isn’t just about charts and data—it’s about finding meaning in our finite journey. When science meets soul, it offers us tools to not only understand aging but to emotionally prepare for it, cultivating peace instead of fear.
The fear of death — and how to befriend it
This book also nudged me to think about how we, as a society, fear death. We hide it in hospitals, avoid talking about it at dinner tables, and chase youth obsessively. But Ramakrishnan suggests that embracing death as a natural process can be liberating rather than terrifying.
I started to ask myself: if I were to die tomorrow, what would I regret?
Strangely, instead of spiralling into anxiety, this question gave me clarity. It helped me realign my life towards things that truly matter: love, connection, creativity, and small, joyful moments.
I’ve noticed this reflective question—“What would I regret if I died tomorrow?”—works like a compass. It distills life’s clutter into what feels essential.
I find that regularly revisiting this question helps me stay emotionally grounded and less swayed by superficial stressors. This practice of befriending death fosters a radical acceptance that enhances emotional well-being and personal growth.
Suggestions for a long, healthy life
After digesting this book (and many quiet moments of reflection), I distilled what I believe are the three biggest pillars to living a long and meaningful life:
Diet: Go plant-based, whenever possible.
The evidence supporting plant-forward eating is overwhelming — from reduced risk of chronic diseases to longer telomeres (a marker of cellular aging). More vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. Less processed food, less animal fat, less sugar.
Exercise: Just 15 minutes of HIIT a day.
You don’t need to become an ultra-marathoner. Short bursts of high-intensity activity can do wonders for cellular health, metabolic function, and mental clarity. Think quick sprints, jumping jacks, or even dancing wildly in your living room.
Sleep: At least 8 hours a night.
He highlights the importance of sleep for health and aging—it’s more foundational than any supplement. It’s when your body repairs, your mind processes, and your spirit recovers. A full night’s rest is worth more than the latest supplement or gadget.
What struck me here is how these pillars are not complicated or expensive — they are accessible, everyday choices that connect the science of longevity with personal empowerment. It reminded me that longevity is not about chasing mythical cures but about embracing habits that nourish body, mind, and soul holistically.
This integrated approach makes living longer not just a goal, but a richer experience of life itself.
An open question
What would you do differently if you truly embraced your mortality, not as a distant threat but as a gentle companion?
Curious to know what's your own life span?
If you’re feeling brave (and curious), there’s a tool that estimates your potential life expectancy: livingto100.com. It’s a fun, slightly sobering exercise that makes you think deeply about your daily habits and how they add up over time.
Final thoughts
“Why We Die” is not just about why our bodies eventually give out. It’s about what makes life meaningful precisely because it ends. It’s an invitation to live more fully, to love more deeply, and to stop putting off the things that matter.
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts scientific and soulful, this one might just change how you see the world — and yourself.
Have you read this book? How did it make you feel about your own life?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is immortality possible, or even desirable?
While longevity science is advancing, there is no scientific breakthrough that stops aging. Ramakrishnan argues that immortality may not be desirable, because the finite nature of life gives meaning to our experiences. Death frames our lives, making each day more precious.
What lifestyle choices can extend healthspan and support longevity?
Ramakrishnan highlights three accessible pillars for a longer, healthier life:
Plant-based nutrition for reduced risk of chronic disease
Exercise, especially short daily HIIT sessions, for cellular health and resilience
Sleep (7–8 hours nightly) as the foundation for repair, recovery, and longevity
What are some surprising scientific insights about aging from the book?
Key insights include:
Caloric restriction may extend lifespan in both animals and humans.
Women with fewer pregnancies often live longer, highlighting the biological cost of reproduction.
The maximum human lifespan is about 120 years, regardless of medical advances.
Sleep deprivation accelerates aging and increases risk of chronic disease.
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