No evil can come to a good man either in life or after death, and God does not neglect him. –Plato, Apology 41d
A friend of mine passed away a week ago, on February 28, 2018. When I received the news, the first thing that came to mind was the above saying of Socrates. It is fitting to remember her on International Women’s Day, for she was one of the most remarkable (i.e., Christ-like) women I’ve ever known. She had dedicated her life to the service of Lord Jesus since childhood. People who did not share her faith were nevertheless touched by her genuine kindness and selflessness. The beauty of her goodness was so radiant that everyone seemed to become a better person, and the world seemed a little more beautiful and joyful, in her presence.
According to Aristotle, many people form friendship based on utility or pleasure, but genuine friendship is based on virtue. In this strict sense, she is a true friend to me, but I’m not her friend, for she is virtuous and I’m not.
Plutarch observes that people who grieve over the passing of their friend or kin often do so for selfish reasons. For they mourn for the loss they themselves suffer, not for the departed. “No good man, after he is dead, is deserving of lamentations, but of hymns and songs of joy; not of mourning, but of an honourable memory; not of sorrowing tears, but of offerings of sacrifice, — if the departed one is now a partaker in some life more divine.”
Paul the Apostle considers departing this life a gain, though a loss for his brethren, who are in need of his ministry. “To depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.”
To only think of serving others, whether by life or by death, must be a mark of genuine selflessness.
If goodness is the key to afterlife, then few of us should look forward to death.
By the same token, if goodness is the key to life, most of us are dead already.
If consensus counts, then there may be a small consensus among great thinkers that happiness is the key to life. The Mayo clinic published research a few years ago suggesting that an individual can increase his or her happiness by cultivating gratitude and performing service to others.
So gratitude and service. That sounds like your friend.
I think both gratitude and service are based on goodness, because we are grateful for what we think is good for ourselves, and perform service to others in what we think is good for them.
The consensus among ancient philosophers seems to be that only the good can be truly happy.
That’s very sad, Nemo. I’m sorry that you lost such a wonderful friend who had such an impact on your life. I’m sure her selflessness and goodness will still echo on in this life as she sounds like she used her time well. Your post particularly affected me as I nearly lost my daughter in a car accident a day later and something like death, or near-death, makes one evaluate life and how it is lived. Take care of yourself …….
Cleo, Long time no see. 🙂 I hope you and your daughter are doing well.
I know. I feel so terrible about not being present in my usual book haunts but I have been inundated by mostly personal issues that I haven’t had much time to read at all. I feel so disjointed when I’m not reading. I’m VERY slowly making my way through Crime and Punishment but haven’t been able to get much traction on it due to interruptions. In any case, thanks for the wishes. We’re both fine, all things being equal, and will, please God, stay that way. All the best …