"Dying used to be accompanied by a prescribed set of customs, Guides to ars moriendi, the art of dying, were extraordinarily popular; a medieval version published in Latin in 1415 was reprinted in more than a hundred editions across Europe. People believed death should be accepted stoically, without fear or self-pity or hope for anything more than the forgiveness of God. Reaffirming one’s faith, repenting one’s sins, and letting go of one’s worldly possessions and desires were crucial, and the guides provided families with prayers and questions for the dying in order to put them in the right frame of mind during their final hours. Last words came to hold a particular place of reverence.”

p156, '6 Letting Go' , 'Being Mortal', Profile Books, ISBN 978-1846685828 ― Atul Gawande

— Being Mortal by Atul Gawande (Wellcome Collection) (Page 156)