The Greatest Classic of Social Conduct - (Collectible Edition)

Author: Wang Guangyao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Humans fear death as children fear the dark, and the more ghost stories children hear, the more intense their fear becomes. Adults are the same. Of course, viewing death as the retribution for sin and a journey to another world is sacred and religious. However, fearing death and seeing it as a forced sacrifice of humans to nature is weak. Yet, in religious contemplation, there is sometimes also superstition and delusion. But in such religious contemplation, there is sometimes also vanity and superstition. In the spiritual books of some Catholic monks on asceticism, you can see such sensitive parts. Therefore, someone once said wisely, "The suffering brought by death is more frightening than death itself." This refers to the groans and convulsions before death, the pale face, the wails of loved ones, mourning clothes, funerals, and the like, all of which make the process of death seem terrifying. It is noteworthy that the human heart is not truly so fragile that it cannot overcome and control the fear of death. There are many kinds of emotions in the human heart, strong enough to enable people to conquer death—revenge can overpower death, passionate love dares to defy death, honor makes one dedicate oneself to death, and great sorrow makes one rush toward death; while cowardice and weakness can make the soul die before death even arrives. Moreover, in the book, we read that after the suicide of Emperor Augustus, many of his ministers, out of sympathy and loyalty, willingly died for him. Additionally, Seneca adds another reason for not fearing death: "Boredom and harsh demands can also lead to suicide, and monotony and emptiness can drive a person to death, even though the person is neither brave nor tragic." It is equally noteworthy that death cannot conquer the great souls. Even at the very last moment of their lives, they remain composed. At the moment of Emperor Augustus's death, his only concern was love. He bid farewell to his wife, Livia, saying, "Goodbye, Livia. Please never forget our past in your lifetime!" Tiberius paid no attention to the approaching death, as the historian Tacitus said: "Although his physical strength was declining, his wisdom remained sharp." Vespasian was still laughing at the moment of his death, sitting on a stool and saying, "I think I'm going to become a god." Galba, before his heroic execution, told the politicians, "Cut! If this benefits the Roman people!" and stretched his neck to be beheaded. Septimius Severus, until the very end, was still thinking about his work. He said, "If there is anything else you need me to do, just bring it quickly. My time is running out." And so on. There are many who face death with equanimity. The philosophers of the gallery school regard death as extremely serious, and because of the overly elaborate preparations they make for death, it makes death seem even more frightening to people. And someone said sharply: "The end of life is one of the blessings of nature." Life and death are both natural phenomena. The birth of an infant may be as painful as death. A person who dies in fervent pursuit is like being injured when the blood is hot, when there is no sense of pain. Therefore, when people are determined and devoted to goodness, they do not feel the terror of death. The most beautiful epitaph in life is when one achieves meaningful results and expectations, saying: "Lord, now please let your servant depart in peace." Of course, death is also a release, it can eliminate many worldly troubles. It can also open the door to fame and extinguish jealousy—"Those who were envied in life will be respected by humanity after death." P7-8