Single Idea 14053

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death]

Full Idea

He is a fool who says that he fears death not because it will be painful when present but because it is painful when it is still to come.

Gist of Idea

It is absurd to fear the pain of death when you are not even facing it

Source

Epicurus (Letter to Menoeceus [c.291 BCE], 125)

Book Reference

Epicurus: 'The Epicurus Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B. /Gerson,L. [Hackett 1994], p.29


A Reaction

Not very plausible, I'm afraid. It provides a good argument in favour of smoking, if the lung cancer is far in the future. Paralysing fear is daft, but some remote fears should be heeded.