In America, burial means an embalmed body in a heavy-duty casket with a vault built over it, so that the ground doesn't settle. That body is encased in many layers of denial.
Caitlin DoughtyRead
The definition of 'morbid' is an unhealthy preoccupation with death. Unfortunately, there's no word to mean the perfectly healthy preoccupation with death, which is what I have.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the contrast between unhealthy and healthy attitudes toward death, emphasizing a reflective engagement with mortality.
In this quote, Caitlin Doughty expresses her understanding of how society often categorizes discussions about death as morbid or unhealthy. However, she identifies her own fascination with death as beneficial and liberating, suggesting that a healthy acknowledgment of mortality can lead to deeper insights about life and existence.
Themes
DeathMortalityLifePhilosophyReflection
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a lecture on existential philosophy.
More from Caitlin Doughty
All quotes →Dying in the sanitary environment of a hospital is a relatively new concept. In the late 19th century, dying at a hospital was reserved for people who had nothing and no one. Given the choice, a person wanted to die at home in their bed, surrounded by friends and family.
Caitlin DoughtyRead
Not only is natural burial by far the most ecologically sound way to perish, it doubles down on the fear of fragmentation and loss of control. Making the choice to be naturally buried says, 'Not only am I aware that I'm a helpless, fragmented mass of organic matter, I celebrate it. Vive la decay!'
Caitlin DoughtyRead
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