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The essay examines human attitudes toward death and urges forming a clear, personal conception of it, distinct from the illnesses, pains, and religious terrors that habitually attach to the end of life. It criticizes medical practices that prolong agony and argues that many imagined horrors do not belong to death itself. The author surveys philosophical possibilities—annihilation, survival of consciousness, unconscious continuance, and the transformation of the limited ego in an infinite context—asks whether continuation would be consoling or torturous, and ultimately advocates meeting death stripped of added suffering and illuminated by sober reflection.
[1] Marie Lenéru, Les Affranchis, Act III., Sc. iv.
[2] This essay forms part of the volume published under the title of The Measure of the Hours.—Translator’s Note.
Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters’ errors; otherwise every effort has been made to remain true to the author’s words and intent.