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Death is not an easy thing for anyone to understand, least of all a child, but every life shall one day end. But as long as we are alive, as long as we are together, as long as two of us are left, and remember him, nothing in the world can take him from us. His body can be taken, but not him. You shall know your father better as you grow and know yourself better. He is not dead, because you are alive. Time and accident, illness and weariness took his body, but already you have given it back to him, younger and more eager than ever. I don't expect you to understand anything I'm telling you. But I know you will remember this - that nothing good ever ends. If it did, there would be no people in the world - no life at all, anywhere. And the world is full of people and full of wonderful life.

William Saroyan#114

LifeDeathPsychologyMemoryFamily

About this quote

What does it mean?
Death is hard to grasp, especially for children, but memory keeps loved ones alive; life continues and its goodness endures.
In plain terms
Remembering the dead lets them live on in us.
What can you take from it?
Cherish memories to honor those who have passed.

Where it applies

  • grief counseling
  • family gatherings

Putting it to work

  • share stories
  • create memorials

Questions to consider

  • How do memories shape our identity?
  • Can remembering prevent grief?

Another view

Memories fade over time.

More from William Saroyan

  1. Everything alive is part of each of us, and many things which do not move as we move are part of us. The sun is part of us, the earth, the sky, the stars, the …

    Permalink to quote #113
  2. How did roses ever happen?

    Permalink to quote #115
  3. You must remember always to give, of everything you have. You must give foolishly even. You must be extravagant. You must give to all who come into your life. …

    Permalink to quote #112

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