A Million Miles In A Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life

Miller asserts that people do not remember most of their lives. Life is not “memorable” enough to recall everything because it is “slower. “ When attempting to reflect on his life, he realizes it consists of “a series of random experiences” (4). Remembering one’s life feels different from living it and prompts people to ponder its meaning. Miller notes that many philosophers and thinkers emphasize the meaninglessness of life. However, he argues that when people reflect on “scenes” from their life experiences, they have a particular sentimental quality.

Miller recalls random events in his life, scenes that are both pleasant and painful. He notes that when God welcomes him to heaven, he hopes to have interesting stories to share with God.

Miller notes that his perspective on life changed when filmmakers wanted to make a movie based on his memoir, Blue Like Jazz. He wondered if the filmmakers wanted to make a documentary and considered what the experience would be like. He felt they were “about to explore [his] same old places in a way that might make them feel new” (15). Miller notes that he enjoys movies because they often help him escape real life.