I am not so much afraid of death, as ashamed thereof; 'tis the very disgrace and ignominy of our natures, that in a moment can so disfigure us that our nearest friends, Wife, and Children stand afraid and start at us.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker fears the shame and physical disfigurement of dying more than death itself, noting how it terrifies loved ones.
- In plain terms
- Fear of dying comes from shame and how it affects others, not death itself.
- What can you take from it?
- Face the fear of decay and its impact on loved ones.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What scares you most about dying?
- How would you comfort a grieving loved one?
Another view
Not everyone views bodily decay as their primary fear.
More from Sir Thomas Browne
This reasonable moderator, and equal piece of justice, Death.
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