Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: How Talking About Death Changes How You Live
A review of Caitlin Doughty's powerful book about death acceptance and how confronting mortality can bring clarity to life
2023-01-01
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A review of Caitlin Doughty's powerful book about death acceptance and how confronting mortality can bring clarity to life
"Thinking about death clarifies your life." – Caitlin Doughty
Death is one of the few certainties in life, yet most of us do everything we can to avoid thinking about it. In Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, Caitlin Doughty confronts this cultural avoidance head-on. The book chronicles her experiences working in a crematory and explores how societies have faced mortality throughout history.
The book is uncomfortable on purpose. Facing death directly sharpens what matters in the life you still have. Preparing for death (your own or a loved one's) is also one of the greatest gifts you can give your community.
Caitlin Doughty is a mortician, author, and advocate for death acceptance. Through her writing, videos, and public speaking, she has helped shift how people think about mortality, encouraging open conversation about one of life's most universal experiences. You can learn more about her on Wikipedia or visit her official website.
Name death instead of dodging it. Your priorities get clearer fast.