Edel Coffey: Filling out the census' time-capsule is like writing your own eulogy

"I wracked my brains for something that would accurately and pithily define my life. Who am I, I wondered, Sartre-like over my morning coffee?"

Edel Coffey: the census' time-capsule has evoked thoughts of time's passing

Tomorrow, we fill out the census form, and I think I may have underestimated the pressure of coming up with something worthy to put in the time capsule section. In short, I’m stuck. Initially, I thought the time capsule was a lovely idea. What could be more charming than sending a note to our descendants? But as the deadline approaches I find myself paralysed with indecision. What pearls of wisdom could I possibly offer that could give some meaningful insight into life in 2022? A description of an antigen test? The fact that a face mask is no longer a beauty treatment?

Usually, a time capsule involves putting a collection of random everyday objects into a box and letting the artifacts do the talking but with a written time capsule, it’s different. It feels a bit like writing your own eulogy, trying to get at the essence of your life, or even just the essence of your life right now. What of us is worth mentioning, never mind remembering, committing to posterity? The pressure!