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About this quote

What does it mean?
The fear of death drives our desperate will to survive.
In plain terms
We try hard to live because we are afraid to die.
What can you take from it?
Fear of death powers the urge to survive.

Where it applies

  • psychological analysis
  • life choices
  • existential discussion

Putting it to work

  • facing mortality
  • finding meaning
  • reducing fear

Questions to consider

  • What drives your will to live?
  • How does death shape life?

Another view

Survival instincts may also stem from biology, not just fear.

More from Henry Miller

  1. I blush to think of our origins - our hands are steeped in Blood & Crime. And there is no letup to the slaughter and pillage.

    Permalink to quote #25
  2. To be generous is to say yes before the man even opens his mouth.

    Permalink to quote #27
  3. Things happen or they don't happen, thats all. Nothing is accomplished by sweat and struggle. Nearly everything which we call life is just Insomnia , and agony…

    Permalink to quote #24

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