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The Art of Dying Well
BEING now free from Public business and enabled to attend to myself, when in my usual retreat I consider, what is the reason why so very few endeavour to learn the "Art of dying Well," (which all men ought to know,) I can find no other cause than that mentioned by the Wise man: "The perverse are hard to be corrected, and the number of fools is infinite. (Ecclesiastes, i. 15) For what folly can be imagined greater than to neglect that Art, on which depend our highest and eternal interests; whilst on the other hand we learn with great labour, and practise with no less ardour, other almost innumerable arts, in order either to preserve or to increase perishable things? Now every one will admit, that the "Art of dying Well" is the most important of all sciences; at least every one who seriously reflects, how after death we shall have to give an account to God of everything we did, spoke, or thought of, during our whole life, even of every idle word; and that the devil being our accuser, our conscience a witness, and God the Judge, a sentence of happiness or misery everlasting awaits us. We daily see, how when judgment is expected to be given, even on affairs of the slightest consequence, the interested party enjoy no rest, but consult at one time the lawyers, at another the solicitors, now the judges, and then their friends or relations. But in death when a "Cause" is pending before the Supreme Judge, connected with life or death eternal, often is the sinner compelled, when unprepared, oppressed by disease, and scarcely possessed of reason, to give an account of those things on which when in health, he had perhaps never once reflected. This is the reason why miserable mortals rush in crowds to hell; and as St. Peter saith, "If the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" 1st of St. Peter, iv. 1
I have therefore considered it would be useful to exhort myself, in the first place, and then my Brethren, highly to esteem the "Art of dying Well." And if there be any who, as yet, have not acquired this Art from other learned teachers, I trust they will not despise, at least those Precepts which I have endeavoured to collect, from Holy Writ and the Ancient Fathers.
I have therefore considered it would be useful to exhort myself, in the first place, and then my Brethren, highly to esteem the "Art of dying Well." And if there be any who, as yet, have not acquired this Art from other learned teachers, I trust they will not despise, at least those Precepts which I have endeavoured to collect, from Holy Writ and the Ancient Fathers.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1790
About the author
Robert Bellarmine
295 books39 followersSaint Robert Bellarmine, SJ was an Italian bishop, cardinal, theologian, and an influental figure of the Counter-Reformation. He was canonized a saint in 1930 by Pope Pius XI and named a Doctor of the Church in 1931. He is also known as Roberto Bellarmino.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 13, 2014
As with all books of a short nature, yet of a Catholic spiritual orientation, one is more amazed yet again at the level of wisdom and depth present within this book.
This book ought to be something of a core requirement to read for all Catholics, who taking their Faith joyously and seriously in seeking to get to Heaven should follow through with reading once a year for the rest of their life, especially around the time of Lent [2 Weeks Prior to Holy Week].
The book is broken up into 2 parts, the first is aspects of Dying to Self (Prayer, Fasting, Sacraments, Dispositions, etc...) and then the second part is a 10 Day Exercise of Meditations, this I recommend doing 10-Days prior to Easter Sunday (wherein on Easter Sunday we arrive at the 10th Day of the Meditation).
This book ought to be something of a core requirement to read for all Catholics, who taking their Faith joyously and seriously in seeking to get to Heaven should follow through with reading once a year for the rest of their life, especially around the time of Lent [2 Weeks Prior to Holy Week].
The book is broken up into 2 parts, the first is aspects of Dying to Self (Prayer, Fasting, Sacraments, Dispositions, etc...) and then the second part is a 10 Day Exercise of Meditations, this I recommend doing 10-Days prior to Easter Sunday (wherein on Easter Sunday we arrive at the 10th Day of the Meditation).
September 27, 2012
I try to read this book every Lent. This was my third time through. The fact that I'm finishing in September says something about how good I am with my spiritual reading.
This is a practical and scriptural guide to living the good life. As Bellarmine loves to remind us, the good life is an attentive preparation for death and the life to come.
This is a practical and scriptural guide to living the good life. As Bellarmine loves to remind us, the good life is an attentive preparation for death and the life to come.
March 27, 2012
St. Robert Bellarmine has some great insights in this book, particularly with how he deals with the sacraments. There were some parts of his discussion on matrimony on which I think the Church has come to a different understanding, however.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half of the book. The second half deals, in part, with a plan for dying, including suggestions on what to do (per day?!), if possible.
His section on confirmation was amazing -- something to share with people in RCIA or teens about to be confirmed.
I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second half of the book. The second half deals, in part, with a plan for dying, including suggestions on what to do (per day?!), if possible.
His section on confirmation was amazing -- something to share with people in RCIA or teens about to be confirmed.
February 13, 2014
Written in 1619, this book is surprisingly relevant. The author's premise is that dying well first requires living well! I have fuller review posted here:
http://brightcatholic.blogspot.com/20...
http://brightcatholic.blogspot.com/20...
August 30, 2020
A guide to the proper way to live/strong>
The clearest cut and the direct way we should conduct our lives. My regret now is in not having read this earlier in life and then practicing it afterward
The clearest cut and the direct way we should conduct our lives. My regret now is in not having read this earlier in life and then practicing it afterward
July 27, 2021
St Robert Bellarmine gives 17 rules in observing the art of dying well. Each of these suggestions were steeped in scripture and wisdom from the saints that I had to take my time in absorbing it. This is reliable spiritual reading for me, certainly one to revisit again.
July 19, 2023
A good book on what you need to have in order in your life to get to heaven but also just a great breakdown and summary of Christian virtues and what all men should aspire towards, that being virtue and perfection in Christ.
December 3, 2025
I did not read, but listened to this as an audiobook. I'm very glad I did, as it was one book I think that I would have struggled with.
Hearing it on long car journeys and occasionally in the late evening gave me insight into great wisdom from someone who lived around 400 years ago.
It is a book that very much says that how we live in our current lives affects what happens to us after death.
The narrator had just the right intonation and phraseology to deliver additional meaning without being overbearing or intrusive.
Recommended during these restricted times on our liberty, for obvious reasons.
Hearing it on long car journeys and occasionally in the late evening gave me insight into great wisdom from someone who lived around 400 years ago.
It is a book that very much says that how we live in our current lives affects what happens to us after death.
The narrator had just the right intonation and phraseology to deliver additional meaning without being overbearing or intrusive.
Recommended during these restricted times on our liberty, for obvious reasons.
October 13, 2017
The title seems a bit depressing. The contents of the book cover how we should live, so we can die well. It is a great book that should be reread and take notes from. Every young and old person ought to read this book.
August 14, 2016
Read Chs. 1-3 and 12-13 in a pdf for my Luther seminar at Baylor (Spring 2014).
June 11, 2025
Excellent book - humble and grounded, one that I will likely return to regularly for the rest of my life. Some will likely not like what he has to say, if it were said by anyone living. But when it is coming from this great Saint and Doctor, who could argue? Below are my personal notes should anyone wish to see:
1. The good thief did not live an evil life
“… all who walk along the right path, are sure to arrive at their destination. Whilst on the contrary, they who wander from it, will never arrive at their journey’s end. They also, who diligently apply to study, will soon become learned doctors, but they who do not, will be ignorant. But perhaps someone may mention, as an objection, the example of the good thief, who lived ill, and yet died well. This was not the case, for that good thief led a holy life, and therefore, died a holy death. But, even supposing he had spent the greater part of his days in wickedness, if the other part of his life was spent so well, that he easily repented of his former sins and gained the greatest graces. For, burning with the love of God, he openly defended our Savior from the calumnies of His enemies, and filled with the same Charity towards his neighbor, he rebuked and admonished his blaspheming companion, and endeavored to convert him. He was yet alive when he thus addressed him saying, ‘neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation?’” (Bellarmine, Ch. 1).
2. Live in the World, but not Of the World
“… the Apostle exhorts the faithful, that, being encouraged by the hope of eternal happiness, they should be as little affected by earthly things, as if they did not belong to them, that they should love their wives only with a moderated love, as if they had them not, that if they wept for the loss of children, or of their goods, they should weep but little, as if they were not sorrowful, that if they rejoiced at their worldly honors or success, they should rejoice as if they had no occasion to rejoice. That is, as if joy did not belong to them.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 2).
3. The Shadow of Charity
“For as a fire cannot be enkindled in wood that is green or damp, but only in dry wood, so also the fire of Charity requires a heart purified from earthly affections, and from a foolish confidence in its own strength. From this explanation we can understand what is true Charity, and what false and feigned. For should we delight to speak of God and shed even tears at our prayers, should we do many good works, give alms, and often fast, but yet allow impure love to remain in our heart, or vainglory, or hatred to our neighbor, or any other of those vices, that make our hearts depraved, this is not true and Divine Charity, but only its shadow. With the greatest reason, then, does St. Paul, when speaking of true and perfect Justice, not mention simply, Faith, Hope, and Charity, but he adds, ‘now the end of the commandment is Charity, from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an unfeigned Faith.” This is the true art of living and dying well, if we persevere ‘till death in true and perfect Charity.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 3).
4. Good days to fast
“Here then we have seen the necessity and the fruit of fasting. I will now briefly explain the manner in which we must fast, so that our fasting may be useful in enabling us to lead a good life, and by this means to die a good death. Many fast on all the days appointed by the Church, such as, the vigils, the ember days, and lent. And some fast of their own accord in advent also, that they may piously prepare themselves for the Nativity of Our Lord, or on Friday in memory of Our Lord’s Passion, or on Saturday in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mother of God. But whether they so fast as to derive advantages from it may be reasonably questioned. The chief end of fasting is the mortification of the flesh that the spirit may be more strengthened. For this purpose we must use only spare and unsavory diet. And this Our Mother, the Church, points out since she commands us to take only one full meal in the day, and then not to eat flesh, or white meats, but only herbs or fruit” (Bellarmine, Ch. 8).
5. On Alms
“St. Thomas also writes, ‘through superfluous riches which many possess, by the natural law belong to the support of the poor.’ And again, the Lord requires us to give to the poor not only the tenth part, but all of our superfluous wealth. In fine, the same author, in the fourth book of his Sentences, asserts that this is the common opinion of all theologians. I add also that if one be inclined to contend that taking the strict letter of the law is not bound to give his superfluous riches to the poor, he is obliged to do so at least by the law of Charity. It matters little whether we are condemned to Hell through want of Justice or of Charity.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 9).
6. Against Fondness of Play
“… this most noble and glorious inheritance will not be given to those that sleep, or are idle, or fond of play, but only to the watchful, to the laborious, and to those that persevere in good works until the end. Let everyone then examine his works, and diligently inquire into his manner of life, if he wish to live well and die well.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 10).
7. Matter of Baptism and Confirmation
“The ordinary minister of Baptism is a priest, and in case of necessity, anyone. The ordinary minister of Confirmation is a Bishop, and by the dispensation of a Pope, only a priest. The matter of Baptism is common water; that of Confirmation, Holy Oil mixed with balsam, consecrated by the Bishop. The effect of Baptism is Grace and a character. … The effect of Confirmation is also Grace and a character, and such are requisite to make a Christian soldier fight against his invisible enemies, according to what St. Paul sayeth: ‘For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the worlds of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.’ (Eph. 6:12).” (Bellarmine, Ch. 11).
8. On Evil Parents
“For the sons of Heli were slain in battle, and Heli himself, falling from his seat backwards, broke his neck and died miserably. Wherefore, if Heli, otherwise a just man, and an upright judge of the people, perished miserably with his sons, because he did not educate them as he ought to have done, and did not chastise them when they became wicked, what will become of those, who do not only do not endeavor to educate their children properly, but by their bad example, encourage them to sin. Truly, they can expect nothing less than a horrible death for themselves and for their children, unless they repent in time and do suitable penance.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 15).
9. A good wife is obedient to her husband
“Wherefore, we must not be surprised at the Almighty having said to the first woman, ‘thou shalt be under thy husband’s power, and he shall have dominion over thee.’ (Gn. 3:16). Hence, a husband requires no little wisdom to love, and at the same time rule his wife, to admonish her, and teach her also, and if necessary even correct her. We have an example in St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. Her husband was a cruel man, and a pagan, but yet she bore with him so piously and prudently, that she always was loved by him, and at length, converted him to God.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 15).
1. The good thief did not live an evil life
“… all who walk along the right path, are sure to arrive at their destination. Whilst on the contrary, they who wander from it, will never arrive at their journey’s end. They also, who diligently apply to study, will soon become learned doctors, but they who do not, will be ignorant. But perhaps someone may mention, as an objection, the example of the good thief, who lived ill, and yet died well. This was not the case, for that good thief led a holy life, and therefore, died a holy death. But, even supposing he had spent the greater part of his days in wickedness, if the other part of his life was spent so well, that he easily repented of his former sins and gained the greatest graces. For, burning with the love of God, he openly defended our Savior from the calumnies of His enemies, and filled with the same Charity towards his neighbor, he rebuked and admonished his blaspheming companion, and endeavored to convert him. He was yet alive when he thus addressed him saying, ‘neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation?’” (Bellarmine, Ch. 1).
2. Live in the World, but not Of the World
“… the Apostle exhorts the faithful, that, being encouraged by the hope of eternal happiness, they should be as little affected by earthly things, as if they did not belong to them, that they should love their wives only with a moderated love, as if they had them not, that if they wept for the loss of children, or of their goods, they should weep but little, as if they were not sorrowful, that if they rejoiced at their worldly honors or success, they should rejoice as if they had no occasion to rejoice. That is, as if joy did not belong to them.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 2).
3. The Shadow of Charity
“For as a fire cannot be enkindled in wood that is green or damp, but only in dry wood, so also the fire of Charity requires a heart purified from earthly affections, and from a foolish confidence in its own strength. From this explanation we can understand what is true Charity, and what false and feigned. For should we delight to speak of God and shed even tears at our prayers, should we do many good works, give alms, and often fast, but yet allow impure love to remain in our heart, or vainglory, or hatred to our neighbor, or any other of those vices, that make our hearts depraved, this is not true and Divine Charity, but only its shadow. With the greatest reason, then, does St. Paul, when speaking of true and perfect Justice, not mention simply, Faith, Hope, and Charity, but he adds, ‘now the end of the commandment is Charity, from a pure heart, and a good conscience, and an unfeigned Faith.” This is the true art of living and dying well, if we persevere ‘till death in true and perfect Charity.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 3).
4. Good days to fast
“Here then we have seen the necessity and the fruit of fasting. I will now briefly explain the manner in which we must fast, so that our fasting may be useful in enabling us to lead a good life, and by this means to die a good death. Many fast on all the days appointed by the Church, such as, the vigils, the ember days, and lent. And some fast of their own accord in advent also, that they may piously prepare themselves for the Nativity of Our Lord, or on Friday in memory of Our Lord’s Passion, or on Saturday in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mother of God. But whether they so fast as to derive advantages from it may be reasonably questioned. The chief end of fasting is the mortification of the flesh that the spirit may be more strengthened. For this purpose we must use only spare and unsavory diet. And this Our Mother, the Church, points out since she commands us to take only one full meal in the day, and then not to eat flesh, or white meats, but only herbs or fruit” (Bellarmine, Ch. 8).
5. On Alms
“St. Thomas also writes, ‘through superfluous riches which many possess, by the natural law belong to the support of the poor.’ And again, the Lord requires us to give to the poor not only the tenth part, but all of our superfluous wealth. In fine, the same author, in the fourth book of his Sentences, asserts that this is the common opinion of all theologians. I add also that if one be inclined to contend that taking the strict letter of the law is not bound to give his superfluous riches to the poor, he is obliged to do so at least by the law of Charity. It matters little whether we are condemned to Hell through want of Justice or of Charity.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 9).
6. Against Fondness of Play
“… this most noble and glorious inheritance will not be given to those that sleep, or are idle, or fond of play, but only to the watchful, to the laborious, and to those that persevere in good works until the end. Let everyone then examine his works, and diligently inquire into his manner of life, if he wish to live well and die well.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 10).
7. Matter of Baptism and Confirmation
“The ordinary minister of Baptism is a priest, and in case of necessity, anyone. The ordinary minister of Confirmation is a Bishop, and by the dispensation of a Pope, only a priest. The matter of Baptism is common water; that of Confirmation, Holy Oil mixed with balsam, consecrated by the Bishop. The effect of Baptism is Grace and a character. … The effect of Confirmation is also Grace and a character, and such are requisite to make a Christian soldier fight against his invisible enemies, according to what St. Paul sayeth: ‘For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the worlds of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.’ (Eph. 6:12).” (Bellarmine, Ch. 11).
8. On Evil Parents
“For the sons of Heli were slain in battle, and Heli himself, falling from his seat backwards, broke his neck and died miserably. Wherefore, if Heli, otherwise a just man, and an upright judge of the people, perished miserably with his sons, because he did not educate them as he ought to have done, and did not chastise them when they became wicked, what will become of those, who do not only do not endeavor to educate their children properly, but by their bad example, encourage them to sin. Truly, they can expect nothing less than a horrible death for themselves and for their children, unless they repent in time and do suitable penance.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 15).
9. A good wife is obedient to her husband
“Wherefore, we must not be surprised at the Almighty having said to the first woman, ‘thou shalt be under thy husband’s power, and he shall have dominion over thee.’ (Gn. 3:16). Hence, a husband requires no little wisdom to love, and at the same time rule his wife, to admonish her, and teach her also, and if necessary even correct her. We have an example in St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. Her husband was a cruel man, and a pagan, but yet she bore with him so piously and prudently, that she always was loved by him, and at length, converted him to God.” (Bellarmine, Ch. 15).
May 22, 2024
Such a beautiful spiritual guide. There is more to this book than I could describe in this small summary, but I can leave you with some of the parts that stood out to me the most.
Firstly, to die well, we must live well. That is, to die and attain eternal beatitude, we must at the very least stay in the state of grace. Vigilance is a virtue. Examine your conscience often, twice a day Bellarmjne recommends. The second you fall to mortal sin, run to the confessional. Don’t be scared off by the idea of “inconveniencing” the priest: your eternal soul demands it and has been given an opportunity for forgiveness by God Himself.
Secondly, lean on the Cardinal virtues, especially Charity. True charity requires purity. There is no room for spiritual duplicity and love of sin.
Third, fast. Fasting tames the flesh and like a fever, burns out our desires. As St. Basil said, “Penance, without fasting, is useless and vain; by fasting satisfy God.”
Fourth, receive the sacraments. Baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, reconciliation are all vital for the soul.
Remember, like the virgins in Christ’s parable it is better to follow the King and keep our watchful lamps lit. Commit to sobriety, not simply from alcohol, but be sober to the plan of God and against the thief in the night.
Honestly, this would make for a great Lenten read, feels a little heavy for ordinary time.
10/10
Firstly, to die well, we must live well. That is, to die and attain eternal beatitude, we must at the very least stay in the state of grace. Vigilance is a virtue. Examine your conscience often, twice a day Bellarmjne recommends. The second you fall to mortal sin, run to the confessional. Don’t be scared off by the idea of “inconveniencing” the priest: your eternal soul demands it and has been given an opportunity for forgiveness by God Himself.
Secondly, lean on the Cardinal virtues, especially Charity. True charity requires purity. There is no room for spiritual duplicity and love of sin.
Third, fast. Fasting tames the flesh and like a fever, burns out our desires. As St. Basil said, “Penance, without fasting, is useless and vain; by fasting satisfy God.”
Fourth, receive the sacraments. Baptism, confirmation, the Eucharist, reconciliation are all vital for the soul.
Remember, like the virgins in Christ’s parable it is better to follow the King and keep our watchful lamps lit. Commit to sobriety, not simply from alcohol, but be sober to the plan of God and against the thief in the night.
Honestly, this would make for a great Lenten read, feels a little heavy for ordinary time.
10/10
August 27, 2025
Whether Catholic or not, you will gain something from this short book. Even when you get to the chapters on the sacraments, there is a lot of practical wisdom you will gain even if you disagree with his view of the sacraments.
My favorite section had to be in chapter 16 on extreme unction, specifically when going over gluttony. Reading a book like this will remind you of the need to do more devotional reading and be careful not to put all of your eggs in the baskets of purely theological and philosophical matters.
My favorite section had to be in chapter 16 on extreme unction, specifically when going over gluttony. Reading a book like this will remind you of the need to do more devotional reading and be careful not to put all of your eggs in the baskets of purely theological and philosophical matters.
May 23, 2021
How to become a saint made easy. St. Bellarmine keeps his writing simple for anyone to read and understand. Loved this one so much (read aloud with husband who also loved out) and will be seeking out more of this wise saint's books! Recommend!
June 21, 2015
quite sobering and refreshing
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews