Wonder has no opposite; it springs up already doubled in itself, compounded of dread and desire at once, attraction and recoil, producing a thrill, the shudder of pleasure and of fear.
Marina WarnerRead
A society that doesn't know any longer how to observe every death with proper rituals, that does not know that death is not the end, but only part of the journey, has lost its way, has had the very heart of its humanity torn out.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the importance of rituals surrounding death and the understanding that it is part of a larger journey, emphasizing humanity's deeper connection to mortality.
Marina Warner's quote highlights a society's disconnection from the significance of death and mourning rituals, suggesting that when people forget how to honor and understand death, they lose a vital aspect of their humanity. It serves as a reminder that death should be viewed as a continuation rather than an end, and neglecting this perspective affects the moral and emotional fabric of society.
Themes
DeathRitualsHumanityJourneySociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a funeral service to emphasize the importance of honoring the deceased.
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