Is life only meaningful in the face of death—or does it hold value independent of our mortality?

Existential thinkers have long explored how awareness of death shapes human experience, suggesting that the finiteness of life gives urgency and significance to our choices. Some argue that mortality is what makes life precious, giving meaning to each moment. Others contend that life’s value exists regardless of its inevitable end, rooted in experiences, relationships, and personal growth. When reflecting on existence, do we find meaning because life is finite—or is meaning inherent in life itself?