Death Is One Prophecy That Never Fails: We All Die One Day

[DISCLAIMER]

As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

The authors quote ancient Stoic philosopher and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who stated, “Let each thing you would do, say or intend be like that of a dying person” (page 364). Of this quote, now consider that I stated in Intellect: Practitioners of Prediction, Not Prophecy:

Recently, I discussed with client X the matter of intellect and how I engage in a collaborative process when engaging with clients. When working toward client X’s interests and goals, practicing REBT techniques, we are both practitioners (people who practice a skillful activity).

Specifically, I invited client X to consider prediction, which the APA [American Psychological Association] defines as “an attempt to foretell what will happen in a particular case, generally on the basis of past instances or accepted principles.” This isn’t the same concept as prophecy.

For context, prophecy may be defined as an inspired utterance of a prophet—one who utters divinely inspired revelations: such as the writer of one of the prophetic books of the Bible, or one regarded by a group of followers as the final authoritative revealer of God’s will.

Whereas prediction uses logic (interrelation or sequence of facts or events when seen as inevitable or predictable) and reason (a statement offered in explanation or justification), prophecy regards one gifted with more than ordinary spiritual and moral insight.

I’m not a prophet, nor is anyone to whom I provide care for mental, emotional, and behavioral health (collectively “mental health”). Rather, using a higher level of intellect, practitioners of REBT use imperfect thinking which is both logical and reasonable (collectively “rational”).

Now, regarding Aurelius’ quote about death, the APA defines this term as “the permanent cessation of physical and mental processes in an organism.” What did Aurelius mean when advocating living as if you’re dying? Of this matter, authors of The Daily Stoic say (page 364):

Have you ever heard some ask: “What would you do if you found out tomorrow that you had cancer?” The question is designed to make you consider how different life might be if you were suddenly given just a few months or weeks to live. There’s nothing like a terminal illness to wake people up.

Because I live each day as though it’s my last, I unconditionally accept a likely forthcoming diagnosis of cancer. For instance, I stated in Intentionally Cancerous:

Having worked in Fort McClellan, Miramar, and Pantex, I had no plan to deliberately expose myself to cancer-causing agents. Still, if I develop cancer because of my service in those environments, I at least understood the potential consequences of military service increasing the likelihood of death.

In this regard, as a matter of prediction, I use a modus ponens syllogism (if p, then q; p; therefore, q). If I served in literally toxic environments (p), then I’ll likely die of cancer (q). I served in literally toxic environments (p). Therefore, I’ll likely die of cancer (q). So be it!

Prediction of this sort isn’t akin to prophecy, because no ethereal being gave me information about the likelihood of developing cancer in association with literally toxic environments. Now, authors of The Daily Stoic offer the following rational view on death (page 364):

But here’s the thing: you already have a terminal diagnosis. We all do! As the writer Edmund Wilson put it, “Death is one prophecy that never fails.” Every person is born with a death sentence. Each second that passes by is one you’ll never get back.

I live without using rigid terms of service about death. For example, relating to the ABC model, I don’t use a conditional form of demandingness (D) and a global evaluation (G) by irrationally believing, “Either I mustn’t die before I’m ready [D], or else life is completely worthless [G]!”

Likewise, concerning prophecy, I remain agnostic (a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality, such as a supreme being, is unknown and probably unknowable). Nevertheless, even regarding unfalsifiable claims of prophets, I concur that death is one prophecy that never fails.

Each and every living being – plants, nonhuman animals, human animals, children (yes, sometimes even infants), and so forth – will inescapably die. I predict that this is an assertion that no one can rationally refute. In this vein, authors of The Daily Stoic conclude (page 364):

Once you realize this, it will have a profound impact on what you do, say, and think. Don’t let another day tick away in ignorance of the reality that you’re a dying person. We all are. Can today be the day we stop pretending otherwise?

In closing, when contemplating this topic, I’m reminded of lyricist Obie Trice’s album Cheers (2003). It contains the song “We All Die One Day” that featured rapper Lloyd Banks, lyricist 50 Cent, and top-five-dead-or-alive lyricist Eminem. Concerning this post, the song title says it all!

Now, I invite you to consider the words of wisdom contained herein. Death is the one prophecy that never fails (or prediction, if you prefer), as we all die one day. This includes you, everyone you’ve ever known, and everyone that you’ll ever know, because we were all born dying!

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit, Designed by Magnific, fair use

References:

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Death. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/death

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2023, November 15). Intellect. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/intellect

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Prediction. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/prediction

Daily Stoic. (n.d.). Translating the Stoics: An interview with “The Daily Stoic” co-author Stephen Hanselman. Retrieved from https://dailystoic.com/stephen-hanselman-interview/

Holiday, R. and Hanselman, S. (2016). The daily stoic: 366 meditations on wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living. Penguin Random House LLC. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-daily-stoic-366-meditations-on-wisdom-perseverance-and-the-art-of-living-d61378067.html

Hollings, D. (2025, December 1). A diagnosis is a form of hypothesis. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/a-diagnosis-is-a-form-of-hypothesis

Hollings, D. (2025, December 2). Being a good person: You cannot perfect the imperfectible. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/being-a-good-person-you-cannot-perfect-the-imperfectible

Hollings, D. (2026, April 16). Bemoaning my suffering: Consequences of my actions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/bemoaning-my-suffering-consequences-of-my-actions

Hollings, D. (2024, July 9). Conditional should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/conditional-should-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2022, October 31). Demandingness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/demandingness

Hollings, D. (2026, January 27). Destination unknown. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/destination-unknown

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2025, May 16). Eff the logic. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/eff-the-logic

Hollings, D. (2026, April 12). Excuses, explanations, and justifications. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/excuses-explanations-and-justifications

Hollings, D. (2025, December 13). Explanation and justification. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/explanation-and-justification

Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2026, February 13). Five, four, three… beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/five-four-three-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (2023, September 13). Global evaluations. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/global-evaluations

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2026, May 16). I’m finding it hard to believe we’re in Heaven or Hell: Agnostic. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/i-m-finding-it-hard-to-believe-we-re-in-heaven-or-hell-agnostic

Hollings, D. (2026, June 15). If you’re a fallible human being, then so be it: Go HAM. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/if-you-re-a-fallible-human-being-then-so-be-it-go-ham

Hollings, D. (2026, July 11). Intellect: Practitioners of prediction, not prophecy. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/intellect-practitioners-of-prediction-not-prophecy

Hollings, D. (2023, July 12). Intentionally cancerous. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/intentionally-cancerous

Hollings, D. (2024, January 2). Interests and goals. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/interests-and-goals

Hollings, D. (2026, March 11). Just the facts. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/just-the-facts

Hollings, D. (2025, October 13). Knowledge, wisdom, understanding. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/knowledge-wisdom-understanding

Hollings, D. (2025, May 18). Learning to understand, attentively and deeply. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/learning-to-understand-attentively-and-deeply

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2026, August 4). Live each day as though it’s your last. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/live-each-day-as-though-it-s-your-last

Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason

Hollings, D. (2024, March 4). Mental, emotional, and behavioral health. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-emotional-and-behavioral-health

Hollings, D. (2025, November 16). Mental health, mental illness, and mental disorder. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-health-mental-illness-and-mental-disorder

Hollings, D. (2025, March 16). Modus ponens. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/modus-ponens

Hollings, D. (2023, October 2). Morals and ethics. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/morals-and-ethics

Hollings, D. (2026, April 4). Objective reality. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/objective-reality

Hollings, D. (2024, June 17). On free will. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-free-will

Hollings, D. (2025, May 3). Predictability of logic. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/predictability-of-logic

Hollings, D. (2024, May 26). Principles. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/principles

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2025, August 13). Rational versus irrational thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-versus-irrational-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2024, December 5). Reasoning. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/reasoning

Hollings, D. (2022, June 27). Rigid terms of service. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rigid-terms-of-service

Hollings, D. (2025, December 24). Some people advocate walking. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/some-people-advocate-walking

Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Stoicism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/stoicism

Hollings, D. (2024, February 6). This ride inevitably ends. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/this-ride-inevitably-ends

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2025, January 9). Traditional ABC model. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/traditional-abc-model

Hollings, D. (2024, October 20). Unconditional acceptance redux. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unconditional-acceptance-redux

Hollings, D. (2023, October 22). Unfalsifiability. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unfalsifiability

Obie Trice. (2018, July 30). We All Die One Day (Album version (explicit)) [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/YnWXxogt9VM?si=LsGeDxDIC9QQif6i

Wikipedia. (n.d.). 50 Cent. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_Cent

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Cheers (Obie Trice album). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheers_(Obie_Trice_album)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Edmund Wilson. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Wilson

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Eminem. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminem

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Fort McClellan. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_McClellan

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Lloyd Banks. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd_Banks

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Marcus Aurelius. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Air_Station_Miramar

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Obie Trice. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obie_Trice

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Pantex. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantex

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Ryan Holiday. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Holiday

Ziaullah621. (n.d.). Death beyond the pulse exploring the depths of despair and emptiness [Image]. Magnific. Retrieved from https://www.magnific.com/premium-ai-image/death-beyond-pulse-exploring-depths-despair-emptiness_349205698.htm#fromView=search&page=2&position=17&uuid=e17150eb-6ce5-4631-ac7d-e60156ad4a09&track=ais_test_b&query=death