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About this quote

What does it mean?
Life implies impermanence; plastic flowers do not die because they are not alive.
In plain terms
If something is alive, it will eventually die. Death is a sign of life.
What can you take from it?
Death confirms life.

Where it applies

  • grief
  • life reflection
  • acceptance

Putting it to work

  • accepting change
  • valuing the present

Questions to consider

  • How does knowing life ends change how you live?
  • Are you valuing what is real or what is perfect?

Another view

Some artificial forms, like legacy or data, persist indefinitely.

More from Anthony de Mello

  1. 'What is love?' 'The total absence of fear,' said the Master. 'What is it we fear?' 'Love,' said the Master.

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  2. When you come to see you are not as wise today as you thought you were yesterday, you are wiser today.

    Permalink to quote #42
  3. 'What, concretely, is Enlightenment?' 'Seeing Reality as it is,' said the Master. 'Doesn't everyone see Reality as it is?' 'Oh, no! Most people see it as they …

    Permalink to quote #39

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