Be Courageous Humans generally live longer than animals. The average lifespan of a housecat is only fifteen years, while most humans will live five times that span. If you wish to avoid tears, love an oak tree. Love something that will outlive you. Love a mountain that will last for millions of years. Love a star that will continue to burn for billions of years after you are gone. Do not love something that is fleeting. Do not give your heart to a cat, if you wish to avoid tears. But if you are