Prince (the Sheik of Pop) died about 10 days ago. I had heard his name before but since I am not into that kind of music, I never paid too much attention to that androgynous fellow.
But I was quite surprised by the hoopla and the extensive media coverage following his decease.
This just confirmed what I always suspected.
People are more enamored of the dead than the living… probably because a corpse is much less troublesome than a breathing soul, and because a body, conveniently takes unpleasant truths with him to his grave.
Death is a great embalmer. Many curmudgeons become instantly lovable the minute they cross the Great Divide, and their stature and financial worth often increases tenfold.
Prince’s music sales soared after his demise. Van Gogh who never earned a penny while living made some people very prosperous after his passing.
Death and wealth as you can see are close cousins.
And then there are the glorious eulogies. The man was a wonderful husband, lover, father, friend, philanthropist, etc. and it makes you wonder… how come we barely heard about these wonderful qualities while the man was still alive?
Were we that blind and deaf?
Dying is a fine art. To be successful you have to make a quick, graceful exit. Do not linger. Do not come back for an extra bow. People who are unable or unwilling to go quickly can rapidly turn into a big nuisance.
Do your part and we will do the rest. That’s what the world (and your relatives) expect from you.
Governor Jerry Brown just signed the “End of Life Act” into law making assisted-death legal in California.
I applaud this decision that enable people to make a dignified and quick exit when life becomes unbearable.
People have the inherent right to control their bodies and their destinies without undue interference from meddling religious or political outfits.
The idea is to die young as late as possible. Ashley Montagu
Alain
PS: I am taking a short sabbatical. I will be back in June. I hope that my absence will make your heart grow fonder.