Death Archives - Thinking in the Light

The Thousand Natural Shocks

July 1, 2022June 30, 2022 by Brian Julian

The death of a loved one is a major source of suffering, but Epictetus the stoic says we don’t have to suffer when this happens. We need, instead, to gain apathy by recognizing the true nature of the world. Is Epictetus onto something, or is he just stuffing his emotions?

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

August 30, 2021 by Brian Julian

Death is something that affects all humans, and this realization often brings fear. Epicurus, however, argues that we do not have to fear death, once we understand what death is. He bases his explanation in science, but is it a good one, and does it relieve fear the way that Epicurus wants?