Characteristics Quote by Dmitri Shostakovich
“We should think more about it, and accustom ourselves to the thought of death. We can't allow the fear of death to creep up on us unexpectedly. We have to make the fear familiar, and one way is to write about it. I don't think writing and thinking about death is characteristic only of old men. I think that if people began thinking about death sooner, they'd make fewer foolish mistakes.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Documentary 'The War Is Over', 1993
Confronting mortality reduces surprise and poor choices by normalizing the concept through reflection and writing.
In simple terms: Facing death reduces fear and mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Make death a familiar thought.
Themes
mortality
self‑awareness
wisdom
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal journaling
- creative writing
- therapy groups
- life planning
Key Concepts
existential reflection
psychological resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How does writing about death change your daily decisions?
- What habits could you adopt to confront mortality calmly?
A Different Perspective
Some may find constant focus on death distressing rather than helpful.
