A 97-Year-Old Philosopher Faces His Own Death

[Caliban]

This is an 18 minute video; it is emotionally powerful and a beautiful insight into the thoughts of a man facing death. There is a deep and reflective Stoicism about his consideration of his life. See what you think.

 

[public hermit]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I think what he wrote in his book on death was reflective of a Stoic approach to death, at least partially. There should be no concern or fear if non-being is the result. Some Stoics (Epictetus) also said if there is an afterlife there is still nothing to fear, for God is good. But his final considerations were less settled. He couldn't make sense of it.

The moment when he has the transcendant experience seeing the beauty of his backyard trees was heartbreaking. He realized he had not appreciated them before. Maybe such appreciation was only possible for him at that moment. Love, life, and beauty are great mysteries, for some. They seem to have been for him.

 

[Michie]

What a sweet, dear man. Made me tear up.