Moreau FYE Integration #3


: Examining a Life Well Lived

I am heartbroken by the loss of Sebastian, but I am honored by the opportunity to reflect
upon his life in the most meaningful possible way. I would like to begin this reflection with a
quote that was especially important to Sebastian and summarized the way that he lived his life:

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself in your way of thinking.”

-Marcus Aurelius

Truly, it seemed as if Sebastian had the key perspectives that drove his well lived life all
figured out. A lifelong reader of Stoic Philosophy, Sebastian learned from his early years to only
focus on what he could control. He worked to strengthen his mind and his body throughout his
life in order to be the best version of himself. He was a frequent at the gym, and realized the
importance of making use out of the body and health he was gifted with. He was a lifelong
learner and knew the impact that reading a little bit every day can have to shape your mind. He
was an extremely hard worker and knew how to control and motivate his mind to get maximum
efficiency out of his time. However, he knew that, as stated by a quote he enjoyed, “Introspection
can cloud and confuse our self-perceptions, unleashing a host of unintended consequences.” (The
right way to be introspective by Tasha Eurich - Moreau FYE Week 6) He realized that he could
oftentimes get in his own head, so he made sure to practice positive psychology and be kind to
himself when he needed to. Some would even consider him to be overly conscientious, but he
did not let the opinions of others guide his life. Sebastian knew his limits, and he knew that
happiness and balance were the keys to a well lived life.

Despite his desires to be in the best mental and physical shape at all times, Sebastian
knew that life was short and meant to be appreciated. He knew when to have fun, was outgoing,
and loved to surround himself with people who were similar. He constantly tried to appreciate all
aspects of life- the good and the bad- because he realized that it was difficult to discern true
goodness without having experienced the truly bad. This dichotomy between working hard and
playing hard was especially evident while in college. Sebastian would consistently stay up until
two o’clock in the morning so that he could get all of his work done in order to go out and enjoy
his weekends. However, because he valued the experience of learning, he found himself enjoying
doing certain types of homework (except for Calculus, Calc was never fun.)

Another key aspect of Stoic Philosophy that Sebastian adhered to was the concept of
memento mori. As morbid as it sounds, Sebastian kept in mind that he could die at any instant.
This drove him to experience all that life had to offer constantly. He particularly liked this quote
from Sister Aletheia where she says “My life is going to end, and I have a limited amount of
time; we naturally tend to think of our lives as kind of continuing and continuing.” (Meet the

https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/
https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html


Nun Who Wants You to Remember You Will Die by Ruth Graham - Moreau FYE Week 3)
Sebastian knew that there was no such thing as a constantly continuing life, so he strived to make
the most out of every day possible. He was a frequent thrill seeker- surfing, hiking, and
drag-racing were some of his preferred hobbies. He also had a passion for travel and exploration.
He was blessed enough to travel around the world. This was especially the case while in college,
where he was able to go to such places as Jerusalem, New Zealand, Greece, Miami, New Jersey,
and so much more. He traveled to all of these places while surrounded by close friends and
people he loved.

Sebastian took careful care in constantly building and improving relationships with those
he loved to spend time with. His family members were the closest people to his heart, so he made
sure to cherish all of the time he was able to spend with them. He was also a family man himself,
with a wife and four kids whom he loved dearly. This was certainly the most important aspect of
Sebastian’s life- bigger than his career and bigger than himself. He put his family first and made
no reservations about it. Growing up as an only child with no cousins and as the last male
member of the Pires lineage, Sebastian knew that he wanted a big family, so that is exactly what
he did.

Sebastian’s career was an important feature of his life as well. While many people around
him viewed their work as a means to compensation, Sebastian had a vision of how he could serve
the world. Through working the business operations of Major League Baseball, one of
Sebastian’s oldest loves, he was able to grow the game and serves others in less fortunate
financial situations than himself. He helped establish youth baseball programsa across the
country, worked to expand the game internationally to developing markets, and made baseball a
means of fostering social impact along with justice. His career brought him joy, was something
he was good at doing, and was needed by those around him. (Navigating Your Career Journey by
the Merulo Career Center - Moreau FYE Week 4) Sebastian was a mission-bound person,
exhibiting a similar passion and commitment to others as Fr. Theodore Hesburgh, constantly
working to make his time on Earth as meaningful as possible (Hesburgh - Moreau FYE Week 2)

Sebastian’s life is perhaps something that is best remembered as an example. It is an
example of how one can maximize their time alive while never sacrificing their present
experiences for the goodness of their future. It is an example of the positive effect self-reflection
can have, while not being overly self-depricating. It is an example of remaining free to new
experiences while embracing and being grateful for what you already have. It is defined by a
close relationship to God, as He guided Sebastian through the good times and the bad. This was
the core of Sebastian’s existence, and helped him to focus on goals that was more than himself. It
helped him to keep his intentions and mindset pure in regards to his future. Sebastian will be
dearly missed, but he certainly would not want anybody close to him grieving over the fact that
he has transitioned to the next stage of life. Instead, he say something along the lines of: “I am

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html
https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/
https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9


dead and this fact was inevidable. Instead of grieving, turn your tears into gladness. Let me
inspire you all to cherish the short time we have alive on Earth so that we hold no regrets when
our time eventually comes. God bless us all.”

Works Cited:

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html

https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/

https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/

https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-858
1-ab9500c9ecd9

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/us/memento-mori-nun.html
https://ideas.ted.com/the-right-way-to-be-introspective-yes-theres-a-wrong-way/
https://undergradcareers.nd.edu/navigating-your-career-journey---moreau/
https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9
https://notredame.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=10159379-7eca-4549-8581-ab9500c9ecd9