Since death (properly understood) is the true, ultimate purpose
of life, I have "for several years past made myself acquainted with
this truest and best friend of mankind so that he has for me, not
only nothing terrifying any more, but much that is tranquillising
and consoling. And I thank God that he has bestowed on me the
good fortune of providing the opportunity (you understand me)
of recognising death as the key to our true blessedness. I never
lay down in my bed without reflecting that perhaps I (young as
I am) shall never see another day; yet none of all who know me
can say that I am socially melancholy or morose. For this blessing
I daily thank my Creator and wish it from my heart for all my
fellow man.
W.A. Mozart in a letter to his dying father
