The Significance of Dying Well

Abstract

Most of us will die in fashions out of our control and unaware of the moment of death itself. Consequently, it is a myth to think that the moment of death is our last opportunity to reveal who we truly are. This contribution, written in honor of the work done by Robert Fulton in the field of thanatology, explores the significance of the notion of wanting to die a good death and the drive of people to attain it. The question is raised whether we can control the circumstances of our death to such an extent that we all die well. “Dying well,” however, is for the happy few. This outcome is supported by history as well as by modern research. It implies that those dying will have to leave it to their family members, friends, and sometimes the media, to reconstruct their identity. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

Keywords

death dying well identity

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