'Tis immortality to die aspiring,
As if a man were taken quick to heaven.

'Tis immortality to die aspiring,
As if a man were taken quick to heaven.

We do not know what to do with this short life, yet we want another which will be eternal.

We do not know what to do with this short life, yet we want another which will be eternal.

Poets have said that the reason to have children is to give yourself immortality. Immortality? Now that I have five read more

Poets have said that the reason to have children is to give yourself immortality. Immortality? Now that I have five children, my only hope is that they are all out of the house before I die.

I long to believe in immortality. . . . If I am destined to be
happy with you here--how read more

I long to believe in immortality. . . . If I am destined to be
happy with you here--how short is the longest life. I wish to
believe in immortality--I wish to live with you forever.

Man is the only animal that contemplates death, and also the only animal that shows any sign of doubt of read more

Man is the only animal that contemplates death, and also the only animal that shows any sign of doubt of its finality.

Immortal mortals, mortal immortals, one living the others death and dying the others life.

Immortal mortals, mortal immortals, one living the others death and dying the others life.

It must be so--Plato, thou reasonest well!--
Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire,
This longing read more

It must be so--Plato, thou reasonest well!--
Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire,
This longing after immortality?
Or whence this secret dread, and inward horror,
O falling into nought? Why shrinks the soul
Back on herself, and startles at destruction?
'Tis the divinity that stirs within us;
'Tis heaven itself, that points out an hereafter,
And intimates eternity to man.

Fish say, they have their Stream and Pond;
But is there anything Beyond?

Fish say, they have their Stream and Pond;
But is there anything Beyond?

No, no, I'm sure,
My restless spirit never could endure
To brood so long upon one luxury,
read more

No, no, I'm sure,
My restless spirit never could endure
To brood so long upon one luxury,
Unless it did, though fearfully, espy
A hope beyond the shadow of a dream.