Timothy Leary - Design for Dying

"Design for Dying" is a book written by Timothy Leary, a controversial figure in the field of psychology known for his advocacy of the use of psychedelic drugs in the exploration of consciousness. In the book, Leary discusses his belief that death is a natural and inevitable part of life, and that it is important for individuals to think about and prepare for their own death.

Leary argues that rather than viewing death as something to be feared, we should embrace it as a natural part of the cycle of life. He suggests that by accepting death and planning for it, we can live our lives more fully and authentically. To this end, he proposes a "design for dying" that includes four key components:

1. The "death zone": This is the time leading up to death, and Leary suggests that it is important for individuals to use this time to reflect on their lives, make peace with their past, and express their love and gratitude to those around them.
2. The "death ritual": Leary suggests that individuals should plan a ritual or ceremony that reflects their personal beliefs and values to mark the transition from life to death. This could be a traditional funeral or burial, or it could be a more personal celebration of life.
3. The "death support team": Leary suggests that individuals should surround themselves with a supportive network of friends and loved ones to help them through the dying process and provide comfort and care during their final days.
4. The "death message": Leary advises individuals to consider what they would like to leave behind as a legacy or message to those they leave behind, and to plan for this in advance.

Overall, "Design for Dying" is a thought-provoking and controversial book that encourages readers to consider death as a natural and inevitable part of life, and to think about how they would like to approach their own death.