It's a funny thing when you think you're dead. You're not terrified of it anymore. There's a sort of a epiphany to religious thing; it's not sort of church-based, but you end up with a serenity which you didn't have before, and I just simply enjoy it. It really does sound stupid, but I've got to tell you it's made my life.

In this quote, David Lange reflects on the profound shift in perspective that comes with confronting the idea of death. He describes a moment when he thought he was dead, and how that experience brought him a sense of serenity and peace. Lange suggests that the fear of death dissipates when one fully faces it, leading to a kind of epiphany or realization about life, which isn't tied to any traditional religious beliefs but rather a personal spiritual insight.

Lange’s comment also highlights how this experience of serenity has transformed his life. He acknowledges that it sounds "stupid" or hard to explain, but emphasizes that this new sense of inner peace has had a significant impact on how he now lives. The release of fear around death, he suggests, allows him to enjoy life in a way he hadn’t before, implying that this shift in mindset has enriched his experience and helped him find contentment.

The mention of a religious epiphany without the framework of organized religion suggests that Lange found a form of spiritual peace outside traditional dogmas. His view speaks to the idea that personal growth and peace can come from introspection and life experiences rather than following specific religious practices. It’s a more individualized approach to finding meaning and peace in life, particularly in relation to mortality.

Ultimately, Lange’s quote reflects the transformative power of facing one’s mortality and the surprising peace that can come with it. It underscores the idea that personal revelations, even those that challenge conventional views, can lead to profound changes in how we live. His experience illustrates how confronting deep fears like death can lead to unexpected wisdom and an enriched sense of living.