Unfortunately, some people, just before dying, have regrets and doubts about the meaning and purpose of their life. At this point, it's far too late to right the ship and they may feel like their life hasn't been lived as well as it should have been. It can be said that a differentiating factor between one life and another is the way in which these lives prepare for death. What does it mean to “prepare for death”? It could be said that if a dying person feels that they are leaving behind a useful and meaningful life, then that life was well lived and was therefore prepared for death. It can be said that the value of life can be diminished if one does not examine it thoroughly throughout one's life and, therefore, if one is not prepared for the ultimate human reality.