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[Citing De Grandillac:] Here is exactly what I mean: Can one think the notion of the tragedy of this finitude in itself if one does not first posit an infinitude or a right to the infinite, a right to immortality? Is it not in an essentially religious perspective, which first posits immortality, that mortality, finitude, takes on its character? [Endcite].

And Gandillac has right somehow to point this out. If there is anything conservative here, it is what claims for human beings a dignity that opposes nature. The ancient Cicero knew this view was essential for politics. Today, when the scientistic ideal capitulates to the uniformity of natural laws, death cannot be just or unjust.

What a magnificent essay, cornelis. Much to meditate here, and for a while to come. Thank you!

Just off the top of my head, for now I have to say how much I "resonate" to De Grandillac's claim for human beings --that human nature possesses a dignity that opposes nature. Where I disagree with him is thinking this dignity in effect constitutes a right. Perhaps it would be more fitting to acknowledge such dignity as a gift.

"more fitting to acknowledge such dignity as a gift" OK, although, to save De G., he suggests this right with an "or."

OTH, this recognition is also considered analytically, death implies life, the finite implies the infinite. Koyré says this is a Cartesian argument. Koyré suggests instead a fear of death gives rise to the projection of immortality, or the hope of prolonging finitude. b>AlbionGirl seems to suggest this with "always wanting to be able to."

But this too, is again the hope of human desires to participate in what it fears it doesn't have: authenticity. And what is more authentic than a consciousness or efficacy of continued existence? In one sense it makes no difference if this takes the form of a self-assertive ego like a Sartre trying authenticate living for himself or another who yields to whomever or whatever is deemed to have it. Either way, what must be had, can't be had but with a faith (and it need not be christian). Although when such a participation is considered a gift, it is more nearly christian.