Learning to Live by Dying

Michel de Montaigne observed in the 16th century that "to philosophize is to learn to die." But learning to die is also to learn how to philosophize—and, therefore, how to live.

Please join Diane Button and Zoë Francesca Goldblatt at Clio's for a discussion of What Matters Most: Lessons the Dying Teach Us About Living, a provocative encouragement to examine one’s life through the lens of mortality. In their work as death doulas, Diane and Zoë have gained knowledge from those whom they call “Wisdomkeepers,” dying individuals who are willing to share their singular stories, their deep fears, and their full hearts. The result is a collection of profound reflections on what it means to live—and to die—well.

Over the course of the evening, Diane and Zoë will highlight accounts from the book and from their own experiences with the dying. The audience is invited with them to explore existential questions related to western philosophy, psychology, and religious belief and practices.

Diane Button is a founding partner of the Bay Area End-of-Life Doula Alliance and the author of several books related to end-of-life, meaningful living, and the growing impact of death doulas worldwide. She is an instructor at the University of Vermont's End-of-Life Doula Certificate Program and holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Goddard College in Vermont. What Matters Most: Lessons the Dying Teach Us About Living is her latest book, written at the invitation of Maria Shriver and published by Penguin Random House. Copies are available for prepurchase with your ticket or at the event.

Zoë Francesca Goldblatt is a contributing author to The Book Of Symbols (Taschen, 2010). Her previously published books include The Meaning of Wedding Anniversaries and My Family, My Journey (Chronicle Books) as well as Make Your Own Jewish Wedding (Jossey Bass). Since 2009, Zoë has worked in the end-of-life field as a hospice volunteer, an activity therapist for people living with dementia, a spiritual care provider, and a doula. She co-founded the East Bay End Of Life Doula Network in 2018. Zoë’s areas of specialization in the end-of-life field include Jewish spirituality, sex and relationships, the creative arts, and psychedelics.