Author Description

A good old age, Helen Nearing writes in her introduction to this superb collection, can be the crown of all our life's experiences, the masterwork of a lifetime. There is much speculation about life after death. What about life before death? At 91, Nearing reflects often on the meaning of life as she nears its close - and on the wonder of what lies beyond. Her anthology of quotations and poetry shares the thoughts of ancient and contemporary writers on these topics. From Henry James to Leon Trotsky, Elizabeth Barrett Browning to Betty Friedan, Isaac Asimov to Carlos Castenada, Mohandas Gandhi to Thomas Jefferson, here are illuminating and inspiring pieces of writing that, as Nearing remarks, are too good to lose. Light on Aging and Dying shares wise words that highlight the spiritual in the practical, quotes that inspire us to live and learn as fully as possible - right up to the end. And here are quotes that show us not to fear death, but to welcome it as a new awakening.