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"我把死亡装在左边的口袋里。有时候我会把它拿出来跟它说话。我会说,你好,宝贝,你好吗?你什么时候来找我?我会准备好的。"

Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski Author
Translations
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Quote meaning
The essence of this quote is a stark and raw acknowledgment of the inevitability of death. It’s about carrying the constant reminder that our time here is limited, and rather than shying away from this fact, confronting it directly. The idea is to make peace with mortality, treat it almost like an old friend, and prepare oneself mentally and emotionally for its eventual arrival. It’s a way of saying that death is a part of life, and by accepting it, we can live more fully and fearlessly.

Let’s step back for a moment and think about when and why someone might say something like this. Such reflections often emerge during times of personal crisis, profound loss, or after experiencing a brush with death. It can also come from a place of deep existential contemplation—when someone is trying to make sense of their existence and what lies beyond. This quote feels like it could have been uttered by someone who's seen a lot in life, perhaps an old soldier, a survivor of a great ordeal, or anyone who's had to confront their mortality head-on.

Imagine a doctor working in a high-stakes environment, like an ER or an oncology ward. Dr. Smith, for instance, has seen countless patients come and go, including those who didn't make it. This constant dance with death has made her acutely aware of its omnipresence. She doesn’t fear it; instead, she acknowledges it. During a particularly tough night shift, she might take a moment in the break room, pull out an old pocket watch she keeps as a reminder, and have a silent conversation with death. It’s her way of coping, of reminding herself to stay grounded and appreciate the life she has, however fleeting it may be.

If you want to apply this wisdom in your own life, start by not avoiding thoughts of your mortality. It sounds heavy, but it’s about embracing the reality that our time is limited. This doesn’t mean living in fear—quite the opposite. It means using this awareness to fuel your actions, to prioritize what truly matters, and to let go of petty worries and grudges. Next time you’re stressed about something trivial, remind yourself of the bigger picture. Ask yourself, “In the grand scheme of things, does this really matter?” More often than not, the answer will be no.

Imagine you're sitting around a dinner table with close friends. The laughter is loud, the food is delicious, and the wine is flowing. You take a moment to look around and truly appreciate the scene. You think about how these moments are precious and fleeting. That’s when the concept hits you—life is short, and these are the moments you’ll remember. It’s a bit like the quote: acknowledging the presence of death makes you cherish life more.

In short, carrying death in your pocket isn’t morbid. It’s a profound way to live more intentionally, to remind yourself what’s important, and to be ready for whatever comes next. So next time you’re caught up in the grind, take a moment, pull out that metaphorical reminder, and have a little chat. It might just change the way you see the world.
Related tags
Acceptance Dark humor Death Existentialism Introspection Life and death Mortality Philosophy Poetic
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