There is no death of anything save in appearance.
That which passes over from essence to nature seems to be birth,
and what passes over from nature to essence seems to be death.
Nothing really is originated, and nothing ever perishes;
but only now comes into sight and now vanishes.
It appears by reason of the density of matter,
and disappears by reason of the tenuity of essence.
But it is always the same, differing only in motion and condition.
-Apollonius of Tyana (First Century A.D.)
Greek Philosopher and Teacher