We trouble our life by thoughts about death, and our death by thoughts about life.
This quote encapsulates the human tendency to worry excessively about things that are beyond our control, causing unnecessary distress. It suggests that we often let the fear of death interfere with our enjoyment of life, and similarly, when we’re close to death, we become preoccupied with thoughts about life.
The first part of the quote “we trouble our life by thoughts about death” refers to how fear and anxiety over mortality can prevent us from fully experiencing and enjoying our present lives. We might avoid certain activities due to fear of danger or spend time worrying about what happens after death instead of focusing on the present moment.
The second part “and our death by thoughts about life” implies that even in approaching death – a state where one might expect relief from worldly concerns – we continue troubling ourselves by reflecting on past experiences or regretting missed opportunities in life. This could be seen as an inability to accept and make peace with the inevitability of mortality.
Applying this idea today could have profound implications for personal development and mental health. In a world where stress levels are high due to uncertainties like global pandemics or economic instability, this quote serves as a reminder not to let anxieties over future uncertainties rob us off enjoying what’s happening right now.
For personal development, it encourages mindfulness – living in the present moment without undue concern for past regrets or future worries. It also underscores acceptance – accepting both life’s pleasures and its pains without letting either dictate one’s happiness or peace.
In essence, it advocates finding balance between planning for tomorrow (but not being consumed by it) while learning from yesterday (but not being haunted by it). This way one can truly live today without unnecessary burdens of ‘what was’ or ‘what will be’.
