Ransom and Augray on Death

From "Out of the Silent Planet"

            Chapter 15 ends with Ransom looking through a telescope-like device at a planet that he initially thinks is Mars but turns out to be Earth (which the sorn calls Thulcandra). The next morning (beginning of Chapter 16), Augray the sorn is continuing to help Ransom on his journey to find Oyarsa and offers to carry him. Augray and Ransom discuss the hrossa view on death because Augray complains that they were recklessly risking Ransom’s life by sending him this way to Oyarsa. Ransom defends the hrossa by saying that they are right for not fearing death, but Augray explains that the recklessness with which they do not fear death results in unnecessary death. This is just a small section in the book, but it touches on an important topic. People should not live their lives in constant fear of death. However, people also need to acknowledge and remain aware of the mortality of their bodies. It is unwise to take unnecessary risks because lives are fragile. It would be a waste to have someone die because of an unnecessary risk.