Article: ONE LAST THOUGHT; (1) It's your funeral... (2) Philosopher Alain de Botton wants a serene, philosophical death in bed - or under the wheels of a speeding car.

Byline: CELIA WALDEN

I think about death constantly, because it's a way of frightening myself into getting down to work. Perversely, thinking about death gives life greater meaning. I'd like to live to be ` 80 - a respectable age - and then be knocked down by a car. Either that, or die after a quick, painless illness which would give me time to say goodbye.

It would have to be one of those diseases that physiologically rob you of the desire to live. The worst kind of diseases are those which are fatal, yet leave you feeling everything is fine.

I would want to tie up all the loose ends before I go - I hate the idea of dying on the cusp of an ...

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