Wrong goal of life

A young man came to an elder and joyfully told him that the goal of his life had been fulfilled: he had passed the exam well and entered university. The elder asked: “Okay, you’ll graduate from university, but what’s next? – I will apply in the civil service – said the young man. – And then? – I’ll create a family. – And what’s next? – the elder continued to ask. – I will receive rewards and medals. – And next? – I’ll get old and retire. – And then what? – I’m going to die, said the young man, no longer in such an enthusiastic tone. – And what’s next? – the elder asked. – I didn’t think about that, – the young man said.”

Archimandrite Raphael Karelin