No matter how ugly the manner in which a man dies, it's only the presence of a suffering human soul that is horrifying, once gone, what is left is only an object.
The quote from Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander" reflects on the nature of death and the value of human experience. It emphasizes that the way a person dies can be distressing, but what truly makes it horrifying is the presence of the suffering soul. This suffering indicates that a life was once vibrant and filled with emotion, making the loss profoundly impactful.
Once that life is extinguished, however, what remains is merely a lifeless body, stripped of its essence and humanity. This speaks to the importance of acknowledging the person's existence and struggles during life, as their suffering highlights the poignancy of the human condition. Ultimately, it suggests that we should not overlook the significance of life in the face of death.