For example, a sense of literal immortality may be provided by religious belief in an afterlife [14], [15], and a sense of symbolic immortality may be provided by "living on" through one's accomplishments, offspring, or cultural affiliations [16].
Somehow, knowing that Alzheimer's is coming mocks all one's aspirations -- to tell stories, to think through certain issues as only a novel can do, to be recognized for one's accomplishments and hard work -- in a way that old familiar death does not.
Why is it so hard to acknowledge one's accomplishments?
On the night of her Grammy victory for Album of the Year, Taylor Swift delivered a powerful message to young women about the importance of hard work, overcoming obstacles, and taking pride in one's accomplishments.
Free will also appears to be a condition on desert for one's accomplishments (why sustained effort and creative work are praiseworthy); on the autonomy and dignity of persons; and on the value we accord to love and friendship.
One can use it for surveillance of former friends, or to boast about one's accomplishments, about one's kids' successes, and, increasingly, to eulogize a dead relative or pet.
