Morrissey: 'I mean, death is a serious thing, certainly not to be sneezed at.'

I mean, death is a serious thing, certainly not to be sneezed at.

Morrissey, the renowned English singer-songwriter, once stated, "I mean, death is a serious thing, certainly not to be sneezed at." On the surface, this quote may seem straightforward, emphasizing the gravity of death and urging us to acknowledge its weightiness. However, in delving deeper, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that brings intrigue and thought-provoking insights. Let us explore the meaning and importance of Morrissey's quote while delving into the contrasting and comparative world of existentialism and absurdism.In its simplest interpretation, Morrissey's quote highlights the seriousness of death—a subject often treated with avoidance or even denial. It stands as a reminder that life's ultimate end should not be trivialized or overlooked. Death is an inevitable and universal experience that demands our attention and contemplation. By acknowledging the significance of death, we are encouraged to face our mortality head-on and consider its implications on how we live our lives.Now, let us introduce a philosophical concept that can shed light on the complexities of Morrissey's quote. Existentialism presents a worldview that centers on individual existence, freedom, and choice. It asserts that human beings have the power to shape their own lives and find meaning in existence. However, existentialists often grapple with the inherent tension in defining a purpose or significance to life when faced with the inevitability of death. This is where the philosophical school of absurdism enters the stage.Absurdism, as described by renowned philosopher Albert Camus, contends that the quest for meaning and purpose in life is fundamentally absurd, as human beings strive to find significance in a universe that appears indifferent to their existence. Absurdism recognizes the inherent conflict between our desire for meaning and the inherent lack of objective meaning in the world. In the face of death's certainty, absurdism suggests that any attempt to find ultimate purpose is futile, leading to a sense of absurdity.Drawing from these contrasting perspectives, we can now compare and contrast the existentialist and absurdist approaches to Morrissey's quote. From an existentialist viewpoint, embracing the seriousness of death allows us to confront the reality of our finitude and, in turn, make conscious choices and create our own meaning in life. By acknowledging the significance of death, we are driven to live authentically and pursue what truly matters to us.On the other hand, absurdism challenges the notion of finding purpose or meaning in the face of death. Rather than dwelling on the seriousness of death, absurdism urges us to embrace the absurdity of existence and revel in the chaotic, unpredictable nature of life. By accepting the existential dilemma, we can find freedom and create our own subjective meanings, even in a seemingly indifferent universe.While existentialism and absurdism offer contrasting perspectives, both philosophies emphasize the importance of acknowledging death's significance. Whether we lean towards the existentialist stance of creating our own purpose or embrace the absurdity of existence, the fundamental acknowledgment of death's seriousness underscores the urgency to live consciously and passionately.In conclusion, Morrissey's quote, "I mean, death is a serious thing, certainly not to be sneezed at," reminds us of the importance of recognizing the gravity of death. Beyond a straightforward interpretation, we introduced the contrasting philosophical concepts of existentialism and absurdism to provide deeper insights. Both schools of thought bring unique perspectives on how we should approach the significance of death in our lives. Ultimately, whether we choose to find meaning and create purpose or embrace the absurdity, the acknowledgment of death should serve as a catalyst for a life well-lived.