It matters not whether we live another century or another second, but only whether our actions now and next are the authentic reflection of our will.

Whether good or ill, assuming we can even tell the difference, what happens to us at any point and over time is attributable to accident of birth, fortune of circumstance and exercise of will (or non-exercise thereof, which is the same thing). In what proportion: who knows? Our fate and our will will never be sorted as actors. No matter, outcome as such must always be accepted. Its only value after the fact is how it informs the will. So, what we do in each instant is all that matters. In each moment, our choice is the sole measure. Whatever the outcome, success is not the outcome, but the quality and basis and courage of the choice. In this sense, that is, the availabilty of choice to all, regardless, equality exists in nature. If we accept this, then fulfillment (is this not happiness?) is fully within our control, and it matters not whether we live another century or another second, but only whether our actions now and next are the authentic reflection of our will.