Today’s Mass reflection had me thinking about death. I know, it’s a morbid subject, and most of us would rather avoid it. Yet, as someone who considers myself a philosopher, I see death as deeply connected to the very heart of philosophical inquiry. What is philosophy, after all? The ancient idea, expressed by great thinkers like Montaigne and Cicero, is that “to philosophize is to learn how to die.” They believed philosophy helps us confront and understand death no matter when it comes knocking on the door, thereby reducing fear and leading to a more meaningful life.
From a Christian perspective, this truth is even more urgent. St. Paul reminds us, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). For Christians, learning to die is non-negotiable. Whether we like it or not, we experience a kind of dying every day. Recognizing this can make us more intentional about how we live, choosing to eliminate sin, cultivate virtue, and prepare our souls for eternity.
Death, then, is not something to dread but something to prepare for. If philosophy teaches us to face it with reason, faith teaches us to face it with hope.
God bless you, and don’t forget to philosophize daily.
Pal Ronnie
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