Quote by Albert Schweitzer, Reverence For

But the man who dares to live his life with death before his eyes, the man who receives life back bit by bit and lives as though it did not belong to him by right but has been bestowed on him as a gift, the man who has such freedom and peace of mind that he has overcome death in his thoughts--such a man believes in eternal life because it is already his, it is a present experience, and he already benefits from its peace and joy. He cannot describe this experience in words. He may not be able to conform his view with the traditional picture of it. But one thing he knows for certain: Something within us does not pass away, something goes on living and working wherever the kingdom of the spirit is present. It is already working and living within us, because in our hearts we have been able to reach life by overcoming death.source: http://home.pcisys.net/~jnf/schauth/rq8.html

Summary

This quote highlights the profound perspective of someone who lives each day with a consciousness of their own mortality. This person embraces life knowing that it is not something that they're entitled to, but rather a precious gift. Their continuous reflection on mortality brings them freedom and a tranquil state of mind, enabling them to transcend the fear of death. Through this transformative experience, they acknowledge the existence of an eternal life, believing that a part of us continues to live and thrive in the realm of the spiritual, providing peace and bliss. While such an encounter defies verbal expression and may challenge traditional beliefs, it confirms that there is an undying essence within us that persists and flourishes, achieved by conquering the fear of mortality.