Society Being Hope-Addled:
Jenkinson argues that our society's obsession with hope keeps us from facing the reality of death and the impermanence of life. He writes, "Hope is a great seducer and distracter, the cardinal feature of denial." By clinging to hope, we avoid confronting the difficult truths about death and instead remain in a state of denial.
Death Phobic: Jenkinson argues that our society's fear of death has reached epidemic proportions, leading us to view death as something to be avoided at all costs. He writes, "Death is seen as the enemy, something to be defeated, to be prevented, or managed, or treated." This view of death leads to a society that is death-phobic, where death is something to be feared and avoided, rather than embraced as a natural part of life.
Competence-Addicted: Jenkinson argues that our society's obsession with competence and control prevents us from accepting the inevitability of death and embracing the mystery of the unknown. He writes, "We are living in a culture that is addicted to the idea of competence, of knowing what we are doing." This addiction to competence leads us to believe that we can control everything, even death, and leaves us ill-prepared for the realities of the end of life.
In conclusion, "Die Wise" is a powerful and important book that challenges us to rethink our views on death and dying. Jenkinson's writing is insightful, thought-provoking, and deeply moving, and his manifesto for sanity and soul is a call to action for all of us to embrace death as a natural part of life and to live fully in the present moment. Whether you are facing your own mortality or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience, this book will provide you with a new perspective on life and death, and a renewed sense of purpose and meaning.