On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross delves into her extensive research on the conditions and psychological activities of patients nearing death. She introduced the groundbreaking concept of the five stages patients experience when facing death: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This perspective significantly changed the way people perceive and approach death and end-of-life care, fostering increased empathy for terminally ill patients.

Since its publication, "On Death and Dying" has been translated into over forty languages, becoming a seminal work in modern education on life and death studies. It has influenced and guided countless individuals in properly dealing with end-of-life and death. Kübler-Ross, through real and vivid cases, helps readers empathetically understand the impact of impending death on patients and teaches how to offer hope, comfort, and inner peace to those nearing life's end. The book also addresses how to confront one's own mortality and cope with the loss of loved ones, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life.