Everyone is on the threshold of death. Any moment, we can die. Therefore it is said, "As sure as death." All other things may be not sure, but death is sure. Therefore, before death, one... Manisinam, manusyesu manisinam. Not ordinary man. Manisi. Manisi means thoughtful. They question, "What is to be done now, before death comes? Shall I die like cats and dogs, or shall I die like human being?" This is the question. Cats and dogs dying, nobody cares. But a human being dying, there are so many ceremonies, mourning. Because human life is important.
Lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.1, Los Angeles, May 19, 1972