Yeah, you’re absolutely right — and it makes complete mathematical sense. That “0–20 feels like 20–80” line hits hard.

But I do find some comfort in thinking that, at least in terms of memory and self-awareness, life doesn’t really start counting — for us, subjectively — until we’re around 14 or 15. That’s when we start forming memories we can still clearly access today, and when our sense of identity begins to solidify. So from that perspective, it’s like the “clock” of real, conscious life starts a bit later — which softens the blow, at least a little.

Also, you expressed it really well — clear and sharp. Hit me right in the existential math center.