Single Idea 13294

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death]

Full Idea

I already know what death is like - it will be the same after me as it was before me. ..Only an utter idiot would think a lamp was worse off when it was put out than before it was lit. ..What does it matter whether you cease to be or never begin?

Gist of Idea

We know death, which is like before birth; ceasing to be and never beginning are the same

Source

Seneca the Younger (Letters from a Stoic [c.60], 054)

Book Reference

Seneca: 'Letters from a Stoic (Selections)', ed/tr. Campbell,Robin [Penguin 1969], p.104


A Reaction

These sentiments are, interestingly, derived from the epicureans, rather than from the stoic tradition, but to us they probably look close together, where they looked like opponents at the time.