In this also we are men, that we think of the dead. Once…
““In this also we are men, that we think of the dead. Once it was not so, and when one of us died, he lay where he lay by the cave-mouth and we ran in and out there, not standing quite upright as we ran. Now we stand upright, and now also we think of the dead. So, when the comrade lies there, we do not let him lie where he died. And we do not take him by the legs carelessly, and drag him into the forest for the foxes and woodrats to gnaw on. We do not cast him into the river carelessly for the stream to float him away. No, but rather we lay him where the ground is hollowed out a little and there cover him with leaves and branches. So he shall return to the earth, whence all things came. Or else we lay him to rest among the tree-branches, and give him to the air. Then, if the black birds come streaming from far to pluck at him, that too is right, for they are the creatures of the air. Or else we give him to the bright and hot cleanliness of fire. Then we go about our life as before, and soon we forget, like the beasts. But this at least we have done, and when we shall no longer do it, then we shall no longer be men.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage reflects on how proper burial honors the dead and affirms humanity, contrasting respectful rites with neglect.
In simple terms: Respectful burial shows humanity.
Key Takeaway
Treat the dead with dignity.
Themes
respect
humanity
ritual
mortality
community
Mood
reflective
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
cultural.
When to use this quote
- funeral planning
- memorial services
- environmental burial
- cultural education
Key Concepts
burial practices
cultural rites
ethical responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How do our burial choices reflect our values?
- What rituals help us process loss?
A Different Perspective
Modern fast‑life may overlook these rites, risking loss of meaning.