Isn’t it crazy that we, as living, breathing creatures, will one day close our eyes and won’t open them back? The concept of death is a primordial one, as it is attache to every life form, as well as the fabric of our reality. Be it an animal raised in the wilderness or the celestial bodies that wander in the infinitely large cosmos, anything and everything will sooner or later graze death’s touch. But we’re not here to ponder on age-old questions like what happens after death; instead, we’ll stick to the living and talk about how the concept of death influences us as humans.
If we’re going to talk about death and its impact on life, then we must understand how we consider the concept in the first place. Does it remain in the background of our consciousness, or is it at the forefront as we make the prospect of death salient? We can say both beliefs shape the horizons of life and how we choose to live it.
Let’s consider each case individually, starting with the first one. When death is a concept we acknowledge and come to terms with, it exerts pressure on us to do what we can before it embraces us. It motivates people to test themselves and try to reach their full potential because they know that death is patiently waiting and will one day come for them.
In the other case, when we prioritize death over everything. It can trigger a state of anxiety, cause paralysis, or even make the concept unnerving. Consider the time of COVID-19, when news reports. The press, and even social media were all bombarded with death counts on a daily basis. While it was an alarming situation, people came to terms with it and even considered it normal. The idea of death can also result in a nihilistic point of view toward life. While death does give life meaning, it could, for some, prove to be pointless.
Death, the ultimate equalizer, casts a long shadow on our lives. Its looming presence can be a catalyst for extraordinary achievements or a paralyzing force that hinders our potential. How we perceive and process this inevitability shapes our experiences, our values, and our actions. It’s a complex interplay between fear, acceptance, and the relentless march of time. Ultimately, the dance with death is a unique journey for each of us.
But what if death wasn’t so final? What if it was more like a pesky roommate who just won’t leave? That’s the absurd yet thought-provoking premise of Daniel Jimenez’s new book, Dave & Death. It’s a darkly comedic exploration of life, death, and everything in between. If you’re tire of the same old existential questions and ready for a fresh perspective, this book is for you. Let’s laugh, cry, and ponder the meaning of it all together.
