For a culture that has such a problem with death, we seem to deal with it in a quite bizarre way. We see people shot, killed and blown up, and we find it funny and sexy and all those things. But, the reality of it is that every day people die, and people are really sad and they grieve and they go through a really difficult process with it.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the contrast between society's trivialization of death and the profound sorrow it brings to individuals.
Michael Sheen critiques societal attitudes towards death, suggesting that while we often portray death in a sensationalized and humorous way, the reality is that it brings deep sadness and grieving to those affected. He underscores the disconnect between the cultural fascination with violence and the genuine emotional pain experienced in the face of loss.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the portrayal of violence in media.
I find increasingly that the more extreme are the things going on in your life, the more cultural reference points fail you. More mythical reference points actually help, and you realise that's what myths are for. It's for human beings to process their experience in extremis.
Stories have always been the things that entertain me and make me feel happy and sad and move me and give me the experience of being able to live many lives in one lifetime. It's the best thing about being alive.
When I was at drama school, I wanted to change the world, and thought I had some great wisdom to impart to people about humanity. Now that I'm older, I know enough to realise that I know nothing at all.
I do not bring forgiveness with me, nor forgetfulness. The only ones who can forgive are dead; the living have no right to forget.
The subject then of these chapters may be stated thus, - man's only righteousness is through the mercy of God in Christ, which being offered by the Gospel is apprehended by faith.
It is a common mistake in going to war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disasters to discuss the matter.
When a truth is not given complete freedom, freedom is not complete.
Wherever you look there’s meanness and corruption. This room, this bottle of grape wine, these fruits in the basket, are all products of profit and loss. A fellow can’t live without giving his passive acceptance to meanness. Somebody wears his tail to a frazzle for every mouthful we eat and every stitch we wear—and nobody seems to know. Everybody is blind, dumb, and blunt-headed—stupid and mean.
It is not your business to succeed, but to do right. When you have done so the rest lies with god.
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