Every day travels toward death; the last only arrives at it

Every day travels toward death; the last only arrives at it

Alexander Smith, a Scottish poet and essayist, once wrote, “Every day travels toward death; the last only arrives at it.” This profound statement encapsulates the inevitability of death and the journey that each individual must take towards their ultimate end. In the context of Alexander Smith’s life and work, this quote takes on a deeper meaning as he himself grappled with mortality and the passage of time.

Smith was born in 1830 and lived a relatively short life, passing away in 1867 at the age of 37. Throughout his career, he explored themes of life, death, and the human experience in his poetry and essays. His writing often reflected a sense of melancholy and introspection, as he contemplated the fleeting nature of existence and the fragility of life.

In the quote “Every day travels toward death; the last only arrives at it,” Smith acknowledges the inevitability of death as a destination that all must reach. Each day that passes brings us closer to our ultimate end, but it is only in our final moments that we truly come face to face with our mortality. This idea of a journey towards death is a recurring theme in Smith’s work, as he grappled with his own mortality and the impermanence of life.

Smith’s contemplation of death was not morbid or pessimistic, but rather a reflection on the transient nature of existence and the importance of living fully in the present moment. He believed that by acknowledging our mortality, we can better appreciate the beauty and complexity of life. In this sense, the quote “Every day travels toward death; the last only arrives at it” serves as a reminder to live each day with purpose and intention, knowing that our time on this earth is limited.