Opinions on this statement that we just discussed in my Philosophy course.

Miia · January 22, 2015, 01:51:52 PM

We just discussed this statement for well over an hour. "To truly live, you must accept death as a fact of life."

We're going through the Enchiridion by Epictetus, and this statement was made during the class by the instructor and it really seemed to stand out.
He said "We don't know if we have 10 years or 10 minutes left. I could stroke out right here in front of you, and I'd die knowing I lived a life I was proud of, because I accepted I would die some day and it makes living life so much better."

Thoughts on this idea?

More Than Mortal · January 22, 2015, 01:52:52 PM

Completely agree.

Part of the reason I despise religion (intellectually) is because of its focus on the metaphysical.

Miia · January 22, 2015, 01:55:34 PM

Quote from: Meta Cognition on January 22, 2015, 01:52:52 PM

Completely agree.

Part of the reason I despise religion (intellectually) is because of its focus on the metaphysical.

He mentioned that, and said that as long as you accept that they will not come back FROM the metaphysical, there's nothing wrong with believing in it.

Turkey · January 22, 2015, 02:44:06 PM

I've never really related with the idea that I can't live a fulfilling life without the prospect of death looming over me. It's going to happen, of course, but I just don't see it as a motivator.

Vosscillate · January 22, 2015, 04:20:16 PM

Although I agree with the statement, I am way to lazy to capitalize on it.

Super Irish · January 22, 2015, 05:33:36 PM

I have a feeling it could be misinterpreted, but I like the message behind it.

Accepting death as a part of life just means you make your life worth it (subjectively, of course). It encourages you to go get up and do something when you realise you've only a finite time to do want you want, be it a hobby, life goals, skill(s) or something else.

Dustin · January 22, 2015, 05:36:46 PM

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The Lord Slide Rule · January 22, 2015, 05:41:38 PM

Am I mistaken in claiming that this idea has been pretty well established since the classical era?

Miia · January 22, 2015, 05:43:13 PM

Quote from: SexyPiranha on January 22, 2015, 05:41:38 PM

Am I mistaken in claiming that this idea has been pretty well established since the classical era?

It was back then, but it seems like a lot of places have forgotten about it.

g💚jira · January 22, 2015, 11:41:45 PM

Well duh, it's the only thing that makes transcending your "self" possible.

After all, "philosophy is learning how to die"

Turkey · January 22, 2015, 11:47:09 PM

Quote from: Stocking on January 22, 2015, 05:43:13 PM

Quote from: SexyPiranha on January 22, 2015, 05:41:38 PM
Am I mistaken in claiming that this idea has been pretty well established since the classical era?
It was back then, but it seems like a lot of places have forgotten about it.

Living life to the fullest because of the permanence of death seems like some of the most commonplace reasoning throughout philosophy.

BaconShelf · January 23, 2015, 04:51:28 AM

I thought that was common sense. If you accept that death is inevitable, it's less of a shock when someone dies.