Is Fear The Obstacle To Freedom?
what about "the great fear"
My favorite parts of Seneca’s writings are not when he says something I find true. It’s when he says things I find “maybe true”. A “Maybe Truth” is when he puts forward an idea about a life situation I haven’t experienced but which sounds right.
In letter XXVI, Seneca says,
“‘Rehearse death.’ To say this is to tell a person to rehearse his freedom. A person who has learned how to die has unlearned how to be a slave.” (Seneca, Letter XXVI)
I’ve never been close to death. Unless you count a car crash that could have been worse, but wasn’t.
I’ve never been in a situation so terrible that my love of life or fear of death are holding me back.
But I can see how it would be liberating to fear death less than I do. In religion, we have theories of heaven and hell, and reincarnation. Both of those are essentially never-ending life. We cope with death by convincing ourselves it’s not really death at all. It’s just a departure from this life.
I’m not judging either of these beliefs. I’m not sure what I believe myself. I’m only pointing out that both ideas sound like rejections of death… maybe stemming from fear of death?
What if death happens and that’s just the end? Nothing good or bad after. It just is. Why fear that? Isn’t it liberating? It allows me to always be who I am and do as I believe is right.
If I have a great fear of death, I might compromise my morals or my values in a tough situation just to stay alive. In that sense, it’s clear that accepting death gives freedom.
On the other hand, life is holy. And believing in a judgement day that determines your next life can be an incredible compass for goodness.
It seems clear that there’s good that comes from loving life deeply. But also from not fearing its end.
Question Of The Day
Do you think it’s freeing to come to terms with death?
Your Friend,
Noah “BigNerd” Sochaczevski
1 - Fearing death, like any other fear, is not inherently problematic. One must confront one’s fears and not be controlled by them. Practicing that which makes you afraid start to demystify it, and we aren’t afraid of the familiar. Awareness of your fears allows for learning and growth, while remaining ignorant or avoidant of them limits you.
2 - Many faith traditions (including most of Judaism and some schools of Christianity) focus on life. Halacha, the Tao, one’s dharma, Sirat al-Mustaqim... up to and including Jocko’s Warpath... they all make clear that following the path is in order to make the best of this life, not with the goal of future rewards after death.