[209] Am. J. Sociology, March, 1921.
[210] The Next War, New York, 1921.
[211] Die Sprache des Traumes, 1911, pp. 214–284.
[212] The World as Will and Idea, vol. iii, p. 249 et seq.
[213] See my Jesus, the Christ, in the Light of Psychology, Chap. XI, “Death and Resurrection of Jesus.”
[214] Guérison et Evolution dans la Vie de l’Âme.
[215] See my Jesus, the Christ, in the Light of Psychology, Vol. II, Ch. 11.
[216] Science and Immortality, Boston, 1904, 54 pp.
[217] G. Lionel Taylor (The Stages of Human Life, N. Y., Dutton, 1921, 363 p.) says that there are four stages in the process of what he believes to be normal dying: first there is an appealing, anxious, puzzled look at the approach of a great crisis, as if wondering what the person will meet in the great darkness that is supervening, all not without an element of fear; then there supervenes a peace and poise, in which stage leavetakings are often made; third, when the last breath is drawn there is a strong impression on the bystanders that there has been a real departure, that something very actual has left, so that the body is no longer the friend. Then for perhaps an hour there is on the face of the dead a look of unnatural beauty and tranquillity which slowly fades and corruption begins.
Some in contemplating their own demise think chiefly of the isolation it involves. The most sympathetic friend can only go to the brink of the dark river which we must all cross absolutely alone. Suicide lovers sometimes vainly attempt companionship. Those about to die who are conscious of their impending departure may bid sad farewells to their friends. Aging and sickly people conscious of an impending end but with their faculties intact realize the inevitableness of dying alone no matter how many friends are about but are silent about it with an instinctive reluctance to betray any of the perturbations which weaklings, patheticists, and hystericals seek refuge in.