she felt a sudden deep sadness for him , not due to any direct connection with him ( such attachment , if it ever came , still felt far off ) but rather the oppositeas an unbiased , uncommitted observer allowed into the center of this good and intelligent and well-regarded mans last moments on earth , given rare privileged access to the simple truth that all of ones worldly possessions and accomplishments condense to this one reality : you alone see the steady approach of death .