It is old age, rather than death, that is to be contrasted with life. Old age is life's parody, whereas death transforms life into a destiny: in a way it preserves it by giving it the absolute dimension. Death does away with time.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Old age contrasts with life as a parody, while death gives life a destiny and removes time, preserving it in an absolute dimension.
- In plain terms
- Old age mocks life; death gives life purpose and ends time.
- What can you take from it?
- Consider death as a transformative endpoint.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does seeing death as destiny affect how we live?
- What role does aging play in finding meaning?
Another view
The view may romanticize death and overlook its pain.
More from Simone De Beauvoir
I am incapable of conceiving infinity, and yet I do not accept finity. I want this adventure that is the context of my life to go on without end.
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Permalink to quote #64 Since it is the Other within us who is old, it is natural that the revelation of our age should come to us from outside - from others. We do not accept it will…
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