“My son, shed tears for the dead; raise a lament for your grievous loss. Shroud his body with proper ceremony, and do not neglect his burial. With bitter weeping and passionate lament make your mourning worthy of him. Mourn for a few days as propriety demands, and then take comfort for your grief. For grief may lead to death, and a sorrowful heart saps the strength. When a man is taken away, suffering is over, but to live on in poverty goes against the grain. Do not abandon yourself to grief; put it from you and think of your own end. Never forget! there is no return; you cannot help him and can only injure yourself. Remember that his fate will also be yours: ‘Mine today and yours tomorrow.’ When the dead is at rest, let his memory rest too; take comfort as soon as he has breathed his last.”
Sirach 38:16–23
“My son, shed tears for the dead; raise a lament for your grievous loss. Shroud his body with proper ceremony, and do not neglect his burial. With bitter weeping and passionate lament make your mourning worthy of him. Mourn for a few days as propriety demands, and then take comfort for your grief. For grief may lead to death, and a sorrowful heart saps the strength. When a man is taken away, suffering is over, but to live on in poverty goes against the grain. Do not abandon yourself to grief; put it from you and think of your own end. Never forget! there is no return; you cannot help him and can only injure yourself. Remember that his fate will also be yours: ‘Mine today and yours tomorrow.’ When the dead is at rest, let his memory rest too; take comfort as soon as he has breathed his last.”
My friend, this was an absolutely incredible article.
In the last month, I actually re-read Moby Dick - then the book of Jonah - then a couple of other famous "seafaring" stories from across history.
So personally, this article really could not have come at a better time. But as always, you explore such incredible depths here.
From much of my past, I relate so strongly to the feeling of loneliness and "rowing alone".
But also, nowadays - to striving to be the kind of man who offers others the space to "open their despairing heart".
Really incredible work. Thank you.