Abstract: When Epicurus (Greek: Epikouros, 341–270 B.C.E.) told us centuries ago that we need not be concerned with death, because when we are there, death is not there, and when death comes, we will not be there any more,1 he gave us to understand that life should be enjoyed even if we know it will be short. Life and death are complimentary, but one should not exclude the other. The idea of life overcoming death is essential for the understanding of Christianity. At the same time, the conviction that mors omnia vincit has been an important guideline for humankind in understanding that death also means that there is an end and that life must be lived on that premise. Attitudes towards death in different cultures and at different times are still fascinating subjects, which have been the object of vigorous and often very interesting research for decades. The history of death is the history of human attitudes towards death as it is reflected in art, literature, religion, and law. For former generations death was always present and coping with death was a part of everyday life. In many ways, it is like this today in that poverty, terror, and catastrophes on the media confront us with death. Looking at exotic death rituals can be part of a tourist trip abroad and churchyards still attract visitors. However, looking directly at death in this way does not convey the idea of vanity and that nothing will last forever in the same way as the traditional image of the man with the scythe. Death in the modern world has changed its meaning. It is no longer seen as the logical fulfilment of life but more as an absurd interruption which can even bereave life of its meaning, instead of giving it meaning. Studying death in a historical perspective, including the understanding of the aesthetics of death and the confrontation with the idea of dying as an art, mastered by former generations, may contribute to a dialogue on death which accepts it as something natural. The mors omnia vincit in this way becomes a saying based on a deep understanding of the human condition.
Publication Year: 2015
Publication Date: 2015-05-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot