Mikhail Epstein's definitions
thanatagogy n (Greek thanatos, death + Greek agein, to lead; cf pedagogy, demagogy, mystagogy) Ð initiation into death, preparation for dying.
Thanatology is the study of death and dying; thanatagogy is a practical branch of this knowledge. The Egyptian "Book of the Dead" is the most ancient manual in thanatagogy.
For Plato, philosophy is thebasis of thanatagogy. To study philosophy is nothing but to prepare oneself to die.
For Plato, philosophy is thebasis of thanatagogy. To study philosophy is nothing but to prepare oneself to die.
by Mikhail Epstein November 7, 2003
Get the thanatagogy mug.astralgia, n. (Gr. astro-, star + Gr. algos Ð pain, grief, distress; cf. nostalgia) - a longing for stars and interstellar travels to the remote corners of the universe; homesickness for cosmos.
The film "Gattaca" is about astralgia. The protagonist, Vincent, though deemed genetically flawed and subsequently fated to Á low-level occupation, pursues to the end his dream of space travel.
by Mikhail Epstein November 16, 2003
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Jimmy is every bit as chairy as Andrew, which spells trouble at a small institution like ours.
She is a wonderful person, but maybe just a touch too chairy to share a household with her.
Jimmy is every bit as chairy as Andrew, which spells trouble at a small institution like ours.
She is a wonderful person, but maybe just a touch too chairy to share a household with her.
by Mikhail Epstein November 2, 2003
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