"When it is my time to die, I'm the one who has to go"

I heard this line from a TV program, in the context of an individual whose complusive gambling behavior was discussed.

Well, as long he spent his earned money without jeopardising his family it was alright for him, the justification being he spent or lost what he could afford to lose. Good luck for him who earns millions a year and chooses to live and spend his money as he wishes. The same cannot be said of most fixed income earning individuals. The addiction in the earlier case could be named "competitive gaming" in the casinos. If the latter group of people indulge in the same behavior, it can lead to disastrous cosequences because of their addiction to gambling.

As individuals we can choose to do what we want we our lives. But we do have a responsibility to lead our best life for ourselves and make the best positive contribution to our family and our society.

"When it is my time to die, I'm the one who has to go" does not permit and is no excuse for irresponsible behavior whether it is in compulsive gambling, a competitive sport or any other aspect of life.