“To philosophize is to learn how to die.”Michel de Montaigne · Eseuri · 1580 · I, 20
Thinking about death doesn't frighten you; it clears your life of what doesn't matter.
Montaigne takes the ancient idea that meditating on death removes fear and frees you from useless worries. Whoever accepts death as part of life no longer postpones joys or clings to ephemeral things. Example: a person who knows they will die does not waste time on petty conflicts. Philosophy becomes an exercise in preparing for the end, making every moment more precious.
Montaigne does not stop at saying death is inevitable. He wants you to make it a friend, not an enemy. When you remember you will die, you no longer postpone a coffee with a friend for a better day. It becomes a silent guide that shows you what truly matters. Fear disappears when you stop running from it.
Why it matters It helps you prioritize what truly matters. Instead of fleeing the thought of death, use it as a compass for daily choices.