"The descent to Hades is the same from every place"
- Anaxagoras
About this Quote
Anaxagoras' quote suggests that death is a universal experience, regardless of one's area or scenarios. He implies that the journey to the underworld is the very same for everybody, despite their social status, wealth, or any other element. This idea is echoed in many other ancient texts, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, which specifies that "all are cast down to your house of Dust." This concept of a shared death experience is also seen in the Bible, where it is written that "all go unto one location; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again."
Anaxagoras' quote is a pointer that death is an inescapable part of life, which it is something that we all need to face. It is a reminder that, in spite of our distinctions, all of us share the exact same fate. It is a reminder that, no matter where we originate from or what we have accomplished in life, death is the terrific equalizer. It is a suggestion that, in the end, we are all the exact same.
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