“Death is just around the corner. If only it would stay there.” This quote signifies the inevitability of death and our human tendency to avoid or deny this reality. Death is a certainty that lurks in every individual’s life, hence the phrase “just around the corner”. However, we often wish for it to remain distant, unacknowledged, or “stay there”, as Cooley puts it.
This quote embodies a deep paradox: while we all know death is inevitable, we spend our lives pretending otherwise in order to function. The idea of death being ‘around the corner’ suggests an impending sense of doom that could potentially paralyze us with fear if we let it become too present in our minds. Hence why Cooley adds “If only it would stay there”, showing our desire for denial and distance from this uncomfortable truth.
In today’s world where life expectancy has significantly increased due to advancements in healthcare and technology, many people are living longer yet not necessarily healthier lives. The specter of death seems further away than ever before but still hangs over us as an eventual certainty.
In terms of personal development, acknowledging mortality can be seen as a tool for growth rather than something purely negative or morbid. It can motivate individuals to live their lives more fully and authentically by reminding them that their time on earth is finite.
For example, Steve Jobs once said: “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.” In other words, when you remember that death could be just around any corner – although you’d prefer if it stayed put – you’re more likely to take risks and prioritize what truly matters.
So while initially appearing dark or cynical, Cooley’s quote essentially encourages us not simply ignore death but rather utilize its inevitability as motivation – a reminder not just about mortality but about cherishing life while we still have it.
