It's a consoling notion that death is a very tiny hole, and you need to make yourself very small to get through it. One obviously needs to lighten off, and a rucksack full of bricks or a mantelpiece full of trophies will certainly have to be abandoned - the sooner the better, I say.

The quote "It's a consoling notion that death is a very tiny hole, and you need to make yourself very small to get through it. One obviously needs to lighten off, and a rucksack full of bricks or a mantelpiece full of trophies will certainly have to be abandoned - the sooner the better, I say" by Michael Leunig offers a philosophical perspective on mortality and the necessity of letting go of worldly attachments. Leunig uses the metaphor of death as a "tiny hole" to convey the idea that, in order to face it, one must simplify and shed the burdens and ego-driven possessions accumulated throughout life. This suggests that death requires humility, a release from pride, and a shift in focus toward what truly matters.

Leunig’s reference to a "rucksack full of bricks" and a "mantelpiece full of trophies" symbolizes the heavy emotional baggage and material possessions that people often carry throughout their lives. These objects represent pride, status, and accomplishments that, while significant during life, become irrelevant in the face of death. Leunig implies that these attachments weigh a person down and prevent them from moving freely or fully accepting their mortality. By urging people to "lighten off," he advocates for a spiritual and emotional release of these burdens.

The origin of this quote ties into Leunig’s broader artistic and philosophical works, which often explore the intersection of life, death, and the human condition. Known for his cartoons, poetry, and deeply reflective writings, Leunig often addresses existential themes with a mix of humor, tenderness, and wisdom. His work encourages introspection and the importance of finding peace and simplicity amidst life’s complexities. In this particular quote, Leunig offers a comforting yet profound way to view death: not as an overwhelming, final event, but as a transition that requires a lightness of being.

Ultimately, Leunig’s quote suggests that death, rather than being feared, can be seen as a natural process that requires personal growth and simplification. By letting go of attachments—whether emotional, material, or prideful—we can prepare ourselves for a peaceful passage, unburdened by the unnecessary weight of life’s fleeting distractions. The idea of making oneself "very small" encourages humility, suggesting that true freedom comes from shedding the excess that we so often cling to.