“So death, the most terrifying of ills, is nothing to us, since so long as we exist, death is not with us; but when death comes, then we do not exist. It does not then concern either the living or the dead, since for the former it is not, and the latter are no more.”
Analysis
In this quote, Epicurus reflects on the nature of death and its impact on the living and the dead. He argues that death is nothing to the living because as long as we exist, death is not present. However, when death comes, we cease to exist, and therefore it does not concern us. Epicurus suggests that the fear of death is irrational, as it is either not experienced by the living or does not affect the dead. This perspective encourages individuals to embrace and accept the inevitability of death as a natural part of life.
Modern Relevance
In today's fast-paced and constantly evolving world, the timeless philosophy of Epicurus still holds significant relevance. The idea that death is nothing to us, as articulated by Epicurus, challenges our preconceived fears and anxieties about mortality. This perspective can offer comfort and solace in confronting our own mortality and can help us prioritize living a fulfilling and meaningful life in the present moment.
Epicurus on Death
Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher, believed that death should not be feared because it is simply the absence of existence. In this quote, he explains that as long as we are alive, death is not a concern. Only when we die do we cease to exist, and therefore it does not impact us. This mindset encourages individuals to focus on living well and free from the fear of death.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on this quote by Epicurus, consider the following questions:
- How does this perspective on death challenge or change your own beliefs about mortality?
- In what ways can this viewpoint provide comfort or anxiety when thinking about the inevitability of death?
- How does focusing on the present moment and the reality of our existence impact your understanding of life and death?
Similar quotes
“Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist.”
“Accustom yourself to the belief that death is of no concern to us, since all good and evil lie in sensation and sensation ends with death. Therefore the true belief that death is nothing to us makes a mortal life happy, not by adding to it an infinite time, but by taking away the desire for immortality. For there is no reason why the man who is thoroughly assured that there is nothing to fear in death should find anything to fear in life. So, too, he is foolish who says that he fears death, not because it will be painful when it comes, but because the anticipation of it is painful; for that which is no burden when it is present gives pain to no purpose when it is anticipated. Death, the most dreaded of evils, is therefore of no concern to us; for while we exist death is not present, and when death is present we no longer exist. It is therefore nothing either to the living or to the dead since it is not present to the living, and the dead no longer are.”
“Death, therefore, the most awful of evils, is nothing to us, seeing that, when we are, death is not come, and, when death is come, we are not.”
“We cannot live to be togetherForever doomed to love and death,The latter bringing us togetherClaiming from life the final breath!So we shall love in death forever,Evicted as we are from life,As long as living shall be neverSuccessful in the love-long strife!”
“Look: We hate nothing that exists, not even death, suffering and dying, does not horrify our souls, as long as we learn more deeply to love.”