Francis Bacon: 'Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased by tales, so is the other.'

Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased by tales, so is the other.

In his wise words, Francis Bacon has beautifully captured the essence of society's perception of death - 'Men fear death as children fear to go in the dark; and as that natural fear in children is increased by tales, so is the other.' This quote speaks to the inherent fear that humans possess when faced with the concept of mortality, paralleling it with a child's fear of darkness. Just as children's fear of the dark is amplified by stories and tales, the fear of death is similarly heightened by the narratives and beliefs surrounding it.The importance of this quote lies in its ability to highlight a universal truth about the human condition. Fear of the unknown is deeply ingrained in our psyche, and the fear of death is perhaps the most profound manifestation of this fear. It is a fear that is shared by individuals across cultures, religions, and time.When Bacon states that this fear of death is heightened by "tales," he implies that it is not just the concept of death itself that instills fear, but the stories, beliefs, and perceptions that we attach to it. Society has a tendency to create narratives around death, often depicting it as something dark, frightening, and unknown. From religious teachings to folklore and myths, these tales perpetuate the fear and stigma surrounding death, further enhancing our apprehension towards it.However, it is at this point that we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that brings a fresh perspective to the topic - existentialism. Existentialism challenges the traditional views of death and offers a more liberating and empowering approach. One of the key tenets of existentialist philosophy is the idea that each individual has the freedom and responsibility to create their own meaning and purpose in life.From an existentialist viewpoint, the fear of death stems partly from the fear of a life unlived, of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Instead of viewing death as something to be feared, existentialism prompts us to confront our mortality, to recognize the finite nature of our existence, and use it as motivation to live authentically and fully.By juxtaposing Bacon's quote with existentialist ideals, we can start to see the stark contrast between the fear instilled by societal narratives and the empowering mindset of existentialism. While society's tales may amplify our fear of death, existentialism encourages us to break free from these narratives and assert our individuality.Ultimately, the quote by Francis Bacon serves as a poignant reminder of the fear that permeates our perception of death. However, by exploring alternative philosophies such as existentialism, we can challenge this fear and approach death with a renewed perspective. Embracing our mortality and creating our own meaning in life allows us to transcend the fear and live authentically, making the most of our limited time on Earth.