Book 6:146-149
Glaucus: 'As is the generation of leaves, so is that of humanity'—the iconic simile of human transience.
Read in Books4Free →Fate, Glory, and Mortality
From The Iliad by Homer
The Iliad's central meditation on the brevity of human life, the cost of glory (kleos), and the inescapability of fate.
Book 9:410-416
Achilles' two fates: long obscure life at home, or short life with undying glory at Troy.
Read in Books4Free →Book 18:115-121
Achilles accepts death: 'Not even Heracles escaped death... I too shall lie when I am dead.'
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