Meaning: The quote "You can't just plain die. You got to do it by the book" by Richard McKenna, a writer known for his insightful and thought-provoking works, captures a profound sentiment about the human experience and the notion of living life with purpose and intention. In this quote, McKenna seems to be suggesting that even in the act of dying, there is a right and wrong way to go about it, implying that there is a certain protocol or standard that one should adhere to, even in the face of mortality.

On a surface level, the quote may appear to be somewhat tongue-in-cheek or even darkly humorous, as it seems to playfully allude to the idea of dying as though it were a task that must be carried out in a prescribed manner. However, upon deeper reflection, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the importance of living a life that is deliberate, meaningful, and in accordance with one's own values and principles.

The notion of "doing it by the book" suggests a sense of order, propriety, and adherence to established rules or guidelines. When applied to the concept of dying, it raises questions about the way in which individuals approach their own mortality. In a broader sense, it encourages contemplation of how one lives their life and the values they hold dear. It urges individuals to consider whether they are living authentically and in alignment with their beliefs, and whether they are approaching their own mortality with the same sense of purpose and integrity.

McKenna's quote may also be seen as a reflection of the human desire for control and agency, even in the face of the inevitable. By suggesting that one "can't just plain die," he highlights the idea that even in the most final of moments, there is a sense of agency and choice. This concept challenges the notion of passivity in the face of death and instead encourages individuals to approach their mortality with a sense of deliberateness and consciousness.

In a literary context, this quote may also be interpreted as a metaphor for the way in which individuals approach their lives as a whole. It speaks to the idea that living authentically and purposefully requires a certain level of intention and adherence to one's own personal "book" or set of values. By extension, it suggests that the manner in which one lives and ultimately faces their own mortality should be guided by a sense of personal integrity and adherence to one's own moral and ethical compass.

Overall, Richard McKenna's quote "You can't just plain die. You got to do it by the book" prompts introspection and contemplation about the nature of human existence, the significance of living with purpose and intention, and the agency individuals possess in shaping their own lives and approaching their mortality. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of living in accordance with one's values and principles, and of approaching life and death with a sense of mindfulness and authenticity.