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# This Week - May 09, 2014
- URL: https://www.drewshannon.net/this-week-2014-05-09/
- Published: 2014-05-09T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T03:10:28.000Z
- Author: Drew Shannon
- Tags: link, new york magazine, peter b. bach, this week, #import-blog-backlog-2026-09-13

> It is often argued that life-threatening illness imbues its victims with a new vigor for life. I’ve always found this notion sort of idiotic, a ham-handed attempt at ennobling illness, which deserves no such credit. As Ruth saw it, she already had a life she did not wish to part with. She didn’t need to construct a new one just because there wasn’t much time left.  
>  
> — [The Day I Started Lying To Ruth (Peter B. Bach for New York Magazine)](http://nymag.com/news/features/cancer-peter-bach-2014-5/?ref=drewshannon.net)