Full Idea
It is as perverse to desire the continuity of one's individuality which is being replaced by other individuals, as to desire the permanence of the body's substance which is always being replaced by new substance.
Gist of Idea
It is as perverse to resent our individuality being replaced by others, as to resent the body renewing itself
Source
Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Idea [1819], IV.54)
Book Reference
Schopenhauer,Arthur: 'The World as Will and Idea', ed/tr. Berman,Jill and David [Everyman 1995], p.179
A Reaction
If I let that go, what am I supposed to hang on to? Nothing? Non-existence is not an attractive condition to aspire to.