Sebastian Junger: How Can Death Make Us Think About Life?

What does coming close to death teach us about living?

Sebastian Junger is not a stranger to danger and death. As an award-winning journalist and author of “The Perfect Storm,” and “Tribe,” he has spent his career covering humans in harrowing situations, from massive storms at sea to the front lines of wars. In his recent memoir, “In My Time of Dying,” Sebastian considers his near-death experience from a ruptured aneurysm and his unexpected encounter with his deceased father. How did almost dying change his view on the purpose of living?

His words are at once stark and soulful, and they are filled with truths that can help us lead a more meaningful and fulfilling life. 

(03:17) Sebastian Junger’s near-death experience

(14:56) How Sebastian came to look at nearly dying as a sacred experience

(21:09) How does Sebastian make sense of the vision he had of his father?

(33:57) Did nearly dying affect how Sebastian is raising his children?

(39:26) Where does Sebastian Junger see love fitting into our lives?

(48:19) How do we build that sense of unity that comes with feeling part of a tribe?

(56:09) How can we set aside differences and find the humanity in one another?

(01:01:08) How does Sebastian Junger think about purpose?

(01:02:23) Why is Sebastian Junger so proud of being able to comfort his daughter?

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. For more episodes, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.   

Sebastian Junger, Journalist & Filmmaker

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About Sebastian Junger

Sebastian Junger is the New York Times bestselling author of Tribe, War, Freedom, A Death in Belmont, Fire, and The Perfect Storm, and codirector of the documentary film Restrepo, which was nominated for an Academy Award. He is also the winner of a Peabody Award and the National Magazine Award for Reporting.