Ben Sasse on How to Live While Dying

Former U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, who recently resigned from Congress to become president of the University of Florida, published a reflective essay in The Atlantic on January 10, 2023, articulating his vision for national healing and personal purpose during a period of profound political and cultural division. The piece, titled 'How to Live While Dying,' serves as both a personal meditation and a public farewell, written as he transitions from national politics to academic leadership. In the essay, Sasse diagnoses a deep-seated crisis in American civic life, arguing that the nation is suffering from a form of social and spiritual decay. He contends that many Americans have replaced meaningful community and shared purpose with performative politics and tribal identities, leading to widespread loneliness and nihilism. Drawing from his experiences in the Senate and observations of the country's polarization, Sasse suggests that true healing requires moving beyond partisan warfare to rebuild the 'middle layers' of society—families, neighborhoods, churches, and local institutions—where genuine human connection flourishes. Sasse's prescription centers on the concept of 'living while dying,' a philosophical stance that acknowledges mortality and impermanence to inspire more intentional and contributory lives. He advocates for embracing limits, committing to local communities, and pursuing work that serves others rather than seeking fleeting validation through national political battles. While his message is framed as a non-partisan call to renewal, it also serves as a rationale for his own career shift, implying that the most impactful work for the nation's future may now occur outside the fractured arena of the U.S. Congress.