Of Death
Analysis:
This excerpt from Francis Bacon's essay "Of Death" is quite profound. He explores the various facets of human perception towards death, acknowledging the fear associated with it, the ways different emotions and philosophies intersect with our views on mortality, and how individuals from different walks of life face their final moments.
Bacon delves into the concept of fear and how it magnifies with stories and tales, comparing the fear of death to a child's fear of the dark. He also touches upon religious contemplation of death and how some meditations might include elements of vanity and superstition.
The passage continues to discuss the physical and philosophical aspects of pain, the different attitudes various individuals exhibit towards death (such as revenge, love, honor, grief, fear, and even weariness), and the seemingly unchanged nature of individuals facing death.
The essay presents a diverse array of historical figures facing death in different manners, reflecting how varied human reactions to mortality can be. From Augustus Caesar's composed farewell to Vespasian's jest and Galba's final words, each figure presents a unique perspective on confronting the inevitable.
Bacon ultimately suggests that death is as much a part of life as birth, and a mind focused on noble pursuits may alleviate the fear and pain associated with the final moments. Furthermore, he notes how death can bring closure, open doors to good reputation, and quell envy.
It's a rich contemplation on a universal experience and offers various philosophical angles on how different perspectives shape our understanding and acceptance of mortality.
Criticism:
Critics have offered various perspectives on Bacon's essay "Of Death," acknowledging its depth and philosophical exploration while also highlighting certain points of contention:
Complexity of Language: Some critics find Bacon's prose style complex and challenging to grasp. His intricate use of language and dense phrasing might make it difficult for some readers to fully comprehend his ideas without careful, attentive reading.
Cultural Context: Critics have pointed out that Bacon's essay reflects the cultural and religious beliefs prevalent during his time. Therefore, some arguments or views might seem outdated or not entirely applicable to contemporary perspectives on death.
Subjectivity and Lack of Empirical Evidence: Bacon's essay is more philosophical than empirical. Critics argue that his assertions about death and the human experience lack empirical evidence and can be considered more speculative or subjective than based on concrete evidence or scientific analysis.
Limited Diversity in Perspectives: While Bacon touches upon various emotions and philosophical viewpoints related to death, some critics argue that the essay could benefit from a more diverse range of perspectives, especially those from non-Western or marginalized cultures, to provide a broader understanding of the topic.
Treatment of Religious Themes: Bacon intertwines religious themes with his philosophical musings on death. Some critics argue that this intertwining might alienate readers who do not share the same religious beliefs or might perceive it as biased toward a specific religious viewpoint.
Lack of Modern Relevance: Critics also contend that while Bacon's essay offers profound insights, some of its arguments might not directly translate to modern understandings or attitudes toward death, given the significant changes in societal beliefs and norms since Bacon's time.
Words:
Contemplation: The act of thinking deeply or reflecting on something.
Superstition: Belief in supernatural causality often leading to irrational behaviours or fear of certain actions or objects.
Mortification: The act of subduing or disciplining one's desires, passions, or bodily appetites, often for religious or moral reasons.
Tribute: Something given or done as an expression of gratitude, respect, or admiration.
Vanity: Excessive pride in one's appearance, achievements, or abilities.
Convulsions: Involuntary and violent contractions or movements of the muscles, often associated with medical conditions.
Obsequies: Funeral rites or ceremonies.
Compliment: A polite expression of praise, admiration, or acknowledgment.
Dissimulation: The act of hiding one's true feelings or intentions behind a false appearance.
Extremum: The farthest point or limit; in this context, referring to the end of life or the extreme point of existence.
Weariness: Extreme tiredness or fatigue caused by prolonged effort or strain.
Dolors: Intense grief or sorrow.
Canticle: A hymn or chant, often of a religious nature.
Extinguisheth: To put an end to something or cause it to cease.
Envy: A feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck.
Phrases:
"Wages of sin": Refers to the negative consequences or punishment that follows immoral or wrongful actions.
"Pompa mortis magis terret, quam mors ipsa": Latin for "The pomp of death terrifies more than death itself." It emphasizes that the ceremonies, rituals, and external displays associated with death can be more frightening than death's actuality.
"Cogita quamdiu eadem feceris; mori velle, non tantum fortis aut miser, sed etiam fastidiosus potest": Latin for "Consider how long you have been doing the same things; one can desire to die not only because they are brave or miserable, but also because they are tired of life." It suggests that weariness or boredom with life can be a reason for wishing to die, not just bravery or misery.
"Nunc dimittis": Latin for "Now you dismiss." It refers to a phrase from the Bible (Luke 2:29-32) often used to express a sense of fulfillment or completion, especially near the end of one's life.
"Extinctus amabitur idem": Latin for "The same person will be loved once they are gone." It implies that someone's virtues or positive aspects might be better appreciated after their death.
"Qui finem vitae extremum inter munera ponat naturae": Latin for "He who places the end of life among the gifts of nature." This phrase suggests that one who sees death as a natural part of life might face it with greater acceptance or peace.
Augustus Caesar died in a compliment; Livia, conjugii nostri memor, vive et vale.
In simple words: Augustus Caesar died while giving a compliment. He said, "Live remembering our marriage, Livia, farewell."
Tiberius in dissimulation; as Tacitus saith of him, Jam Tiberium vires et corpus, non dissimulatio, deserebant.
In simple words: Tiberius died pretending. Historian Tacitus said about him, "Tiberius' strength and body were leaving, not pretense."
Vespasian in a jest, sitting upon the stool; Ut puto deus fio.
In simple words: Vespasian died jokingly, sitting on a stool. He said, "Oh dear, I think I'm becoming a god."
Galba with a sentence; Feri, si ex re sit populi Romani; holding forth his neck.
In simple words: Galba died with a statement. He said, "Strike if it is for the good of the Roman people," while offering his neck.
Septimius Severus in despatch; Adeste si quid mihi restat agendum.
In simple words: Septimius Severus died while giving instructions. He said, "Attend if there is anything left for me to do."
Lines:
1) The "friars’ books of mortification" refer to written works or texts created by friars (members of certain religious orders) that focus on the practice of mortification. Mortification, in religious contexts, involves the discipline, self-denial, or suppression of bodily desires and appetites as a means of spiritual growth or penance.
These books likely contain teachings, instructions, or reflections on various methods of self-discipline, which could include fasting, self-flagellation, prayer, or other practices aimed at subduing the body's desires to attain spiritual advancement or to atone for sins.
2) And by him that spake only as a philosopher, and natural man, it was well said, Pompa mortis magis terret, quam mors ipsa.
This statement translates to: "By him who spoke purely as a philosopher and a natural man, it was well said, 'The pomp of death terrifies more than death itself.'"
Here, the speaker is acknowledging someone—described as a philosopher and a person without religious influence—who made a noteworthy observation. They suggest that the elaborate ceremonies, rituals, or displays associated with death (the "pomp") can be more frightening or unsettling than death itself. This highlights how the outward displays and societal customs related to death might evoke more fear or apprehension than the actual event of dying.
3) Certainly the Stoics bestowed too much cost upon death, and by their great preparations, made it appear more fearful.
This statement suggests that the Stoics, a philosophical school that emphasized self-control and resilience, might have given death too much significance. They attributed great importance to death, possibly by elaborate preparations or intense contemplation, which made death seem even more frightening or daunting than it inherently is. In their focus on the philosophical aspects of mortality, they might have inadvertently amplified the fear associated with death.
4) It is as natural to die, as to be born; and to a little infant, perhaps, the one is as painful, as the other. He that dies in an earnest pursuit, is like one that is wounded in hot blood; who, for the time, scarce feels the hurt; and therefore a mind fixed, and bent upon somewhat that is good, doth avert the dolors of death.
This passage essentially asserts that death is a natural part of life, just like birth. It draws an analogy between the pain experienced during birth and the pain felt in death, suggesting that to a newborn, the experiences might be equally distressing.
The idea here is that someone engaged passionately in a pursuit or endeavor is comparable to someone injured in the heat of the moment—neither feels the pain as intensely. Therefore, a person wholly focused on a meaningful or virtuous pursuit might lessen the agony associated with death. The intensity of purpose or focus on something good or worthy can alleviate the fear or suffering typically linked to dying.
Remembering Points:
1. People fear death like kids fear the dark.
2. The fear of death grows with stories, like how kids get more scared with scary tales.
3. Thinking about death as a result of doing wrong things is religious. But fearing death as a natural part of life is weak.
4. Sometimes, religious thoughts about death have a mix of pride and superstition.
5. Some suggest imagining the pain of a finger hurting to understand the pain of death when the whole body fails. Sometimes, death is less painful than just one part of the body hurting.
6. Even strong emotions, like revenge, love, honor, grief, and fear, can overshadow the fear of death.
7. Death isn't so scary when you have many things in life that can overcome it.
8. After a leader died by suicide, many felt so much pity they also wanted to die out of compassion for their leader.
9. Even a person who's not brave or unhappy might want to die out of boredom from doing the same things repeatedly.
10. It's interesting that people facing death don't seem to change much until the very end.
11. Famous people had different last words or actions when they died.
12. Some philosophers focused too much on death, making it seem scarier with their big preparations.
13. It's natural to die just like it's natural to be born. For a little baby, maybe both are equally painful.
14. Someone focused on a meaningful goal might not feel the pain of death as much.
15. The sweetest feeling might be when someone has achieved their goals and can say "Now I can leave."
16. Death can bring good reputation and stop jealousy after someone is gone.
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