“Why, you may ask, take on this unpleasant, frightening subject? Why stare into the sun? Why not follow the advice of the venerable dean of American psychiatry, Adolph Meyer, who, a century ago, cautioned psychiatrists, 'Don't scratch where it doesn't itch'? Why grapple with the most terrible, the darkest and most unchangeable aspect of life? ... Death, however, DOES itch. It itches all the time; it is always with us, scratching at some inner door, whirring softly, barely audibly, just under the membrane of consciousness.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Irvin D. Yalom, the author delves into the reasons why it is important to confront the subject of death, despite its deeply unsettling nature. He questions the reason behind avoiding or overlooking the inevitability of death, likening it to a persistent itch that is always present in our lives. Yalom emphasizes that death is a constant presence, subtly reminding us of our mortality and the fragility of life. By acknowledging and exploring this uncomfortable subject, Yalom argues that we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our existence.
The Modern Relevance of Contemplating Death
In this quote, Irvin D. Yalom questions the reluctance many have towards confronting the inevitable reality of death. He challenges the idea that we should avoid thinking about death, arguing that it is a constant presence in our lives. In today's fast-paced and often superficial world, taking the time to reflect on the profound implications of mortality can bring about a greater sense of clarity, purpose, and appreciation for life. Acknowledging and accepting the reality of death can help individuals prioritize what truly matters to them, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Example of Usage
In his work, Irvin D. Yalom explores the unsettling topic of death and its pervasive presence in our lives. He questions the common advice to avoid contemplating mortality and challenges us to confront this uncomfortable reality head-on. Yalom uses vivid imagery to illustrate how death constantly haes us, lurking beneath the surface of our consciousness.
Reflection Questions
In his exploration of death and mortality, Irvin D. Yalom raises important questions about why we should confront such a taboo and unsettling subject. Take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- Why do you think it is important to grapple with the concept of death and mortality?
- How does the constant presence of death in our lives impact our thoughts and actions?
- What fears or anxieties do you personally associate with the idea of death?
- How can facing our own mortality lead to a deeper appreciation for life and living in the present moment?
- In what ways can acknowledging the reality of death ultimately bring us comfort and a sense of peace?
Similar quotes
“Like you, I have often wondered why fears reign at night. After twenty years of such wondering, I now believe that fears are not born of darkness; rather, fears are like stars - always there, but obscured by the glare of daylight.”
“You will search the world over and not find a nonsuperstitious community. As long as there is ignorance, there will be adherence to superstition. Dispelling ignorance is the only solution. That is why I teach.”
“...the more unlived your life, the greater your death anxiety. The more you fail to experience your life fully, the more you will fear death.”
“If we look at life in its small details, how ridiculous it all seems. It is like a drop of water seen through a microscope, a single drop teeming with protozoa. How we laugh as they bustle about so eagerly and struggle with one another. Whether here, or in the little span of human life, this terrible activity produces a comic effect”
“Some day soon, perhaps in forty years, there will be no one alive who has ever known me. That's when I will be truly dead - when I exist in no one's memory. I thought a lot about how someone very old is the last living individual to have known some person or cluster of people. When that person dies, the whole cluster dies, too, vanishes from the living memory. I wonder who that person will be for me. Whose death will make me truly dead?”
“Life is a spark between two identical voids, the darkness before birth and the one after death.”