Animals have a much better attitude to life and death than we do. They know when their time has come. We are the ones that suffer when they pass, but it's a healing kind of grief that enables us to deal with other griefs that are not so easy to grab hold of.

The quote "Animals have a much better attitude to life and death than we do..." by Emmylou Harris offers a thoughtful reflection on the natural acceptance and peace animals exhibit toward the cycle of life and death. Harris, a celebrated singer-songwriter, suggests that animals instinctively understand and accept when their time has come, living in the moment without the anxiety or fear that humans often experience. This natural attitude contrasts with the human struggle to come to terms with mortality.

Harris points out that while humans often suffer deeply when a beloved animal passes away, this experience of grief is also a healing process. The sorrow we feel for the loss of an animal companion helps us confront and process other kinds of grief—those that might be more complex or harder to manage. In this way, the grief over an animal’s death becomes a stepping stone, teaching us how to endure and find strength through loss.

The origin of this quote reflects Harris’s sensitivity to the connections between humans and animals, a theme that often emerges in her music and life. Her words highlight the spiritual and emotional lessons we can learn from animals, especially in embracing the natural flow of life without resistance. This perspective encourages us to accept death with more grace and to cherish the present moment.

Ultimately, Harris’s quote invites us to rethink our relationship with life, death, and grief. It underscores the idea that animals model a kind of wisdom and serenity about mortality that humans can aspire to. Through this understanding, we gain a deeper appreciation for the healing power of grief and the resilience it can foster in our lives.