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Do not fear death, but welcome it, since it too comes from nature. For just as we are young and grow old, and flourish and reach maturity, have teeth and a beard and grey hairs, conceive, become pregnant, and bring forth new life, and all the other natural processes that follow the seasons of our existence, so also do we have death. A thoughtful person will never take death lightly, impatiently, or scornfully, but will wait for it as one of life's natural processes.
Marcus Aurelius
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Embrace death as a natural part of life instead of fearing it.

This quote by Marcus Aurelius conveys the idea that death is an inevitable and natural part of the life cycle, just as birth, growth, and aging are. It encourages us to accept death with a sense of calm and understanding rather than fear, emphasizing that being thoughtful about our mortality helps us to live more fully and appreciate the journey of life.

Themes

DeathNatureLifePhilosophyAcceptance

In practice

Example use cases

In a eulogy, to remind attendees that death is a natural part of life.

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