The definition of life

SimchaMinute by Rabbi Avigdor Miller
The truth is happiness begins when a man passes out of this life. And there’s no comparison to the ecstasy which is experienced in the afterlife. This world is only a foretaste, it’s only a little sample of the true existence.

So therefore happiness is not the definition of life. But there’s one thing that does not exist in the afterlife and that’s free will. If life is anything, it is bechira (free will) and that’s all. — Bitachon (#32)