In Search of Gentle Death by Richard N. Cote

In Search of Gentle Death

by Richard N. Cote

 

This is a profoundly difficult topic but one that has been brought to my attention several times this year so when I saw this book, I wanted to read it and share it with others. 

Who knows what death will bring?  Is there existence when the body dies?  Is the energy that holds this collection of atoms together simply absorbed back into the Universe or does the consciousness survive?  Are we reborn to this Earth or to another existence, another plane, altogether?  Some believe there is a heaven where we go to live on, much like we lived here, though under more peaceful circumstances, while others believe something is across the threshold but don’t know what. 

“For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;”

Hamlet, William Shakespeare

Different beliefs give people differing views of whether they have a say in when their life ends.  This book contends that the choice, whatever it is and for whatever reason it is held, should be up to the individual. 

The history of the movement is portrayed through short biographies of the people involved, showing how and why they have come to this view. 

The Preface begins “Life has an expiration date.  That we cannot change.  Longevity, on the other hand, increases each year… Unfortunately, the same technology has also prolonged the time it takes us to die – and agonizing pain and loss of autonomy often come with protracted, lingering death.”

The first chapter of the book shares the story of the author’s friend and minister George Exoo and the book continues on with a chapter each devoted to different founders of the movement. 

This book is dense, with nearly 400 pages plus appendices.  It’s difficult to give you the flavor in a short review, but it is also very well written and easy to read.  There is a depth of information and food for thought. 

Whatever side of the debate you fall on, I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in the topic.