Nature smiles at the union of freedom and equality in our utopias. For freedom and equality are sworn and everlasting enemies, and when one prevails the other dies.
Will DurantRead
How much more suffering is caused by the thought of death than by death itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fear and anxiety about death often create more suffering than death itself.
Will Durant's quote highlights the idea that the anticipation and fear surrounding death can lead to greater emotional and mental suffering than the act of dying itself. It suggests that our perceptions and thoughts about death can exacerbate our difficulties, underscoring the importance of addressing these fears rather than allowing them to dominate our lives.
Themes
DeathSufferingFearPhilosophyThought
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health, one might quote this to discuss the burden of fearing death.
More from Will Durant
All quotes βThe greatest question of our time is not communism vs. individualism, not Europe vs. America, not even the East vs. the West; it is whether men can bear to live without God.
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If we have never been amazed by the very fact that we exist, we are squandering the greatest fact of all.
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Philosophy is harmonized knowledge making a harmonious life; it is the self-discipline which lifts us to serenity and freedom. Knowledge is power, but only wisdom is liberty.
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If you wish to be loved, be modest; if you wish to be admired, be proud; if you wish both, combine external modesty with internal pride.
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When liberty destroys order the hunger for order will destroy liberty.
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