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About this quote

What does it mean?
Life and death, wakefulness and sleep, youth and age are all aspects of a single continuum.
In plain terms
Opposite states are actually the same in essence.
What can you take from it?
See all states as part of one whole.

Where it applies

  • end‑of‑life care
  • self‑acceptance

Putting it to work

  • integrating past and future selves
  • embracing change

Questions to consider

  • How does recognizing continuity affect fear of death?
  • Can we truly equate wakefulness with sleep?

Another view

It can blur important distinctions.

More from Heraclitus

  1. Man, like a light in the night, is kindled and put out.

    Permalink to quote #14
  2. Corpses are more fit to be thrown out than is dung.

    Permalink to quote #16
  3. The road up and the road down is one and the same.

    Permalink to quote #13

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