Born Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“A man is not completely born until he is dead. Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals, a new member added to their happy society?”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to a friend, 1750s
Life is fully realized only through death; birth among the dead is not tragic.
In simple terms: Death completes life; birth among the dead is not sad.
Key Takeaway
Embrace life's fullness, not fear death.
Themes
mortality
philosophy
existence
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- grieving loss
- celebrating birth
- philosophical reflection
Key Concepts
Stoicism
transcendence
life cycle
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be “completely born”?
- How does this view affect how we treat the dying?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue life’s value isn’t tied to death.
![“Because of anger-pride-deceit-greed, selfishness [self-interest] remains and consequently one has no awareness of who dies or who takes birth. It is simply a wrong belief that has arisen. But after a long time, as one progresses, if he meets a Gnani Purush [the enlightened one], he will acquire…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/213/dada-bhagwan-31_anger_because-of-anger-pride-deceit-greed-self_3201431.jpg)
