[an ancient sumerian woman, covered in jewelry, smiles at us]
You will never find the eternal life that you seek.
Humans are born, they live, then they die, this is the order that the gods have decreed. But until the end comes, enjoy your life, spend it in happiness, not despair. Savor your food, make each of your days a delight, bathe and anoint yourself, wear bright closes that are sparkling clean, let music and dancing fill your house, love the child who holds you by the hand, and give your wife pleasure in your embrace.
That is the best way for a man to live.
- Siduri, to Gilgamesh, 4000 years ago
My favorite thing about this is that Siduri is the proprietor of a tavern and is giving Gilgamesh this advice as he is drinking. The trope of the wise bartender is very very old