Zen Pencils writes:

Gautama Buddha (approx 563BC-483BC) was the original or ‘Supreme Buddha’ – a spiritual teacher who reached enlightenment and whose teachings Buddhism was founded on. The accepted story is that Gautama was born into a Royal family, but upon leaving the palace and witnessing the poor, sick and dying of India, he turned his back on worldly possessions and went in search of spiritual fulfilment. After years of meditation and studying with priests, Gautama reached enlightenment at age 35 and spent the rest of his life travelling and teaching disciples.

You can get the above image as a huge, glossy poster for less than $10.

Maybe a "lighting candle's" life might not be shortened, but intending to light thousands of others' "candles" is significantly different than just being open to illuminating those as might desire and be ready for greater awareness along the way.  Gautama's path doesn't appear to be one to enter upon lightly...Jesus didn't last past 40.

The cost of hyper-sharing might not shorten potential life alone, but it certainly produces a different result in actual life with others... so yeah, I'd get the poster instead.

You remind me of Woody Allen's line that he doesn't want to achieve immortality through his work.

He wants to achieve immortality by not dying.

Interesting post. Note that in Judaism the proper way to light a menorah is to light the master candle and then use it to light all the others.

Same principle at work! Cool.

Plus, a single candle can fill and entire room with light.