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Customs Quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld

“Very few people are acquainted with death. They undergo it, commonly, not so much out of resolution as custom and insensitivity; and most men die because they cannot help it.” quote by Francois de La Rochefoucauld
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“Very few people are acquainted with death. They undergo it, commonly, not so much out of resolution as custom and insensitivity; and most men die because they cannot help it.”

Francois de La Rochefoucauld

About This Quote

Source Maxim: Maximes, 1665

Most people die because they are accustomed to death, not from a deliberate choice, showing human insensitivity.

In simple terms: People die out of habit, not resolve.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate mindful awareness of mortality.

Themes

mortality habit human nature

Mood

somber thoughtful

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • healthcare
  • end‑of‑life planning
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

existential awareness psychological desensitization

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does routine affect your view of death?
  • What practices can keep mortality present in daily life?
A Different Perspective

Accepting death as a habit can lead to complacency.

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