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Single Idea 19346

[from 'The Theodicy' by Gottfried Leibniz, in 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death ]

Full Idea

I believe there would be few persons who, being at the point of death, were not content to take up life again, on condition of passing through the same amount of good and evil, provided that it were not the same kind.

Gist of Idea

Most people facing death would happily re-live a similar life, with just a bit of variety

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (The Theodicy [1710], p.130), quoted by Franklin Perkins - Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed 2.IV

Book Reference

Perkins,Franklin: 'Leibniz: Guide for the Perplexed' [Continuum 2007], p.59


A Reaction

Nice challenge. People who refuse the offer are not necessarily suicidal. He's probably right, but Leibniz doesn't recognise the factor of boredom. Look up the suicide note of the actor George Sanders! One life may be enough.

Related Idea

Idea 4177 Most people would probably choose non-existence at the end of their life, rather than relive the whole thing [Schopenhauer]