Thursday, 24 August 2017

Using Death to be more Alive



The reason I love “dark” shows and movies like Se7en, Dexter, Twin Peaks and True Detective, and gothic authors like Poe and Lovecraft is because they are not afraid to show the true face of existence to the world. By studying these works of fiction you are acknowledging this. Animal nature is human nature, works like this serves to remind people of that fact. It doesn’t have to make you depressed, afraid or cold. It is rather just another lesson to be had and as soon as it is over and you have stared darkness in the eyes, like anything feared for its unknown qualities it is suddenly no longer as scary.

One thing many people are afraid of is death. Death is obviously part of the darkness that fuel the pretenders, it is their ultimate control of someone else and dealing death is usually what drives their addiction to hurting people. It is the ultimate power, catering to their entitlement as masters of any micro-universe they choose. But no matter how it shows its face, enacted by an agent of darkness or not, death is an integral part of life just like darkness is an integral part of the world. Death is in fact the most integral and constant aspect to life. No matter what might happen after you are born, dying will certainly be one of them. ‘You start to die the moment you are born.’ Ian Fleming put that notion into the head of his secret agent, James Bond, and the statement is very true. He elaborates further as well:

“The whole of life is cutting through the pack with death. So take it easy. Light a cigarette and be grateful you are still alive as you suck the smoke deep into your lungs. Your stars have already let you come quite a long way since you left your mother’s womb and whimpered at the cold air of the world.”

Ian Fleming is right. Take it easy. Do not fear death but do not forget about it either. Rather, you have your whole life to prepare for death, might as well start right now. The Grim Reaper will come for you eventually. Being alive WILL eventually kill you. Might as well be prepared. If you feel comfortable with death before the Reaper comes, then the aspect of dying is not that scary at all. I carry death with me everywhere I go. Every time I get in a car or on an airplane or go for a dive or even just a walk at night in a big city, I accept that there is a chance I might die. In fact, people die doing these things all the time. The majority of accidents occur at home. Cancer hits every third Dane. Why should I be different? But knowing death could be lurking around every corner does not make me afraid. Rather it makes me more appreciative of life and makes me enjoy it more. It is just like the aforementioned quote by Mark Twain:

“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”

Mark Twain is saying that death is merely all the more reason to live in the moment. Enjoy your life while you can. No time like the present. Fearing death is not an excuse to not take any risks, it should be the opposite, take more risks, live life more fully. One day it will all be over. This is the great constant in life.


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