Name: What I learned from 2,000 obituaries
Uploaded: 2017-03-01T16:05:49Z
Duration: 5 min 58 s
Description: Lux Narayan starts his day with scrambled eggs and the question: "Who died today?" Why? By analyzing 2,000 New York Times obituaries over a 20-month period, Narayan gleaned, in just a few words, what achievement looks like over a lifetime. Here he shares what those immortalized in print can teach us about a life well lived.

Lux Narayan starts his day with scrambled eggs and the question: "Who died today?" Why? By analyzing 2,000 New York Times obituaries over a 20-month period, Narayan gleaned, in just a few words, what achievement looks like over a lifetime. Here he shares what those immortalized in print can teach us about a life well lived.

What I learned from 2,000 obituaries

Analyzing 2,000 New York Times obituaries uncovered a surprising truth: the most celebrated lives made a positive impact on others. Artistic fields dominated over 40 percent of the headlines, yet helping society emerged as a common thread across professions. Major achievements typically happened around age 37, with most being remembered for acts that helped, not just for fame. The stories of both famous and ordinary people show that true legacy is found in service, not status.