Philosophy

Practice Dying

How do you feel about Plato's advice to "practice dying?" think Plato's advice is well taken for a number of reasons. He is trying to tell us that we should be able to die gracefully and with dignity, but also that we need to live our lives fully and with happiness in order to do that. If we practice dying throughout our lives, we can take a look at where we are and how happy we are, and where we need to change. It is helpful to think of where our priorities and affections are from time to time, and to practice dying is to look at these and see what we would do differently if we knew we would die tomorrow, next week, or next month.

Few people really want to die, but stopping and looking at what dying would mean to us right now gives us a good indication of how well our life is working and how happy we are. Plato is not being morbid or negative about life, but he is encouraging people to always assess their life and what they are doing with their life. Who would remember you if you died tomorrow? Who would miss you? What would you be remembered for? These are things that are sometimes difficult to face and acknowledge. If you live your life selfishly and with little concern for anyone else, then what meaning would your life hold after you die? If you live your life with happiness, fulfillment, and caring for others, chances are you will be missed and your life will mean something after you are gone. Otherwise, your life may end up meaning nothing, and your passing will not be marked in any way.

Practicing dying makes sense for anyone, young or old. We have the power to change our lives and make them more meaningful and important. We should recognize early when we need to do this, and when it makes sense to change our path or outlook in life. If we regularly practice dying, we will live happier, more fulfilled lives in the end.

References

Griffin, John. "Practice Dying." World University. 2001. 27 April 2007. http://www.worldu.edu/library/practice_dying.htm

Smith, Rodney. "May All Beings Practice Dying." Dharma.org. 1998. 27 April 2007. http://www.dharma.org/ij/archives/1998a/rodney.htm