Death Quote by Edmund Spenser
““O what auailes it of immortall seed To beene ybred and neuer borne to die? Farre better I it deeme to die with speed, Then waste in woe and wailefull miserie. Who dyes the vtmost dolour doth abye, But who that liues, is left to waile his losse: So life is losse, and death felicitie. Sad life worse then glad death: and greater crosse To see friends graue, then dead the graue selfe to engrosse.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Faerie Queene, Book I, 1590
The poet reflects on mortality, preferring a swift death over prolonged suffering, and sees life as loss compared to death’s release.
In simple terms: A quick death is better than a painful life.
Key Takeaway
Accept mortality and seek meaning beyond suffering.
Themes
mortality
philosophy
existentialism
Mood
somber
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- grief
- war
- personal crisis
Key Concepts
death as release
life as loss
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you find meaning in suffering?
- What does “death felicity” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
The view may ignore the value of enduring hardship.
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