Death Quote by Joseph Butler
“This was the man, this Balaam, I say, was the man, who desired to die the death of the righteous, and that his last end might be like his; and this was the state of his mind when he pronounced these words.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Sermons and Essays on Moral Philosophy, Joseph Butler, 1756
A man envies the fate of the righteous, wishing to share their death, revealing a mindset of self‑destructive longing for moral purity.
In simple terms: He longs for a righteous death, showing self‑destructive desire.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and redirect unhealthy envy.
Themes
envy
spirituality
self‑destruction
morality
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
literary
When to use this quote
- grieving loss
- seeking meaning
- spiritual crisis
- moral contemplation
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
ethical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the desire for another’s fate?
- How can one find purpose without self‑destruction?
A Different Perspective
Such longing can ignore the value of life itself.
