Our birth is nothing but our death begun, As tapers waste the moment they take fire.

The quote "Our birth is nothing but our death begun, As tapers waste the moment they take fire" by Edward Young reflects a philosophical and existential perspective on the relationship between life and death. Young, an English poet best known for his work Night Thoughts, presents the idea that birth and death are not separate events but rather two sides of the same coin. In this view, life is a fleeting moment, and from the moment we are born, we begin the inevitable journey toward death.

The imagery of "tapers waste the moment they take fire" compares human life to a candle, which burns down steadily from the moment it is lit, just as time elapses from birth to death. This metaphor suggests that life is like a flame—bright and full of potential, yet inevitably fading with each passing moment. The use of the candle symbolizes both the fragility and preciousness of life, as well as the inevitability of its end.

Young’s words challenge the common view of birth and death as distinct, separate events. Instead, he presents them as interconnected, with death already present in birth, an inherent part of the human condition. The quote reflects the transience of existence, highlighting the idea that the passage of time and the approach of death is inevitable, regardless of our actions or desires.

Ultimately, this quote reflects Young's meditation on mortality and the inevitability of death. By suggesting that birth marks the beginning of our journey toward death, he encourages us to consider the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of our time before it runs out. The image of the taper burning down serves as a poignant reminder that life, though full of light and promise, is always moving toward its end.