Jean Cocteau: 'The day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying.'

The day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying.

Jean Cocteau's quote, "The day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking toward me, without hurrying," is a profound and thought-provoking reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality. At first glance, the quote simply acknowledges the reality that from the moment we are born, we are also on a journey towards our eventual death. It highlights the cyclical nature of life and the certainty that one day, our time will come to an end. This contemplation on the finite nature of existence serves as a reminder to live fully and appreciate every moment we have.However, delving deeper into this idea opens up a realm of philosophical exploration. While the quote may initially suggest a linear progression from birth to death, what if we consider the concept of time as non-linear or simultaneous? This introduces the intriguing theory of eternalism, a philosophical view of time that posits that past, present, and future all exist simultaneously. In this framework, our birth, life, and death are not separate events unfolding in a linear fashion but rather coexisting in a timeless continuum.By juxtaposing Cocteau's reflection on the march of death with the philosophical concept of eternalism, we are prompted to question our perception of time and our understanding of existence. If all moments in time exist concurrently, does our death truly walk towards us, or are we already intertwined with it in a perpetual dance of being? This shift in perspective challenges us to reconsider our notions of mortality and invites us to explore the interconnectedness of all life experiences.In essence, Cocteau's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life, prompting us to cherish each moment and embrace the journey we are on. When viewed through the lens of eternalism, it sparks a fascinating exploration of time, mortality, and the intricate tapestry of existence. Just as our birth marked the beginning of our journey towards death, perhaps it also signifies the eternal presence of our existence in the boundless expanse of time.