“Ashes to Dust” is a phrase often used to signify the cycle of life and death, emphasizing the idea that all living things eventually return to the earth. It reflects the belief that after death, a person's physical body decomposes and becomes part of the natural world, symbolizing humility and the transient nature of existence. In literature and art, “Ashes to Dust” can represent themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. It serves as a reminder of mortality and the importance of cherishing life, often prompting reflections on the legacy one leaves behind, such as in works by William Shakespeare or John Keats.