To Know Death / To Know About death.

[Artoria Pendragon]

So, recently I came into an argument over how the english language functions. The statements in question were as follows:

"To know death."

"To know about death."

In my argumentative adversary's opinion, they both mean the same.

I claim in rebuttal, that due to how the english language they're not the same at all.
To know death, is to have died. To have experienced death firsthand. To truly know death.
To know about death, is to know of the concept of death and dying. But not to have experienced it firsthand, yourself.

Which one of us is correct? Is either?
Discussion, go!

[Carmelita]

I would argue that you are both right. Whilst the technical meaning is the same, the former is indicative of impact, whilst the latter lacks it. A general might know death, a doctor might know death, a coma survivor might know death. A sheltered historian might know about death but not know death, while a young child losing a loved one might know death but not know about death.

[Strazio Rockwell]

I'd agree with Carmelita.

In common speech I'd also argue that it means more in context of what is being said and both are likely said with the same intention.

In the nitty gritty side the first one inplies that the speaker has experienced death whereas the latter has spoken with someone that has experienced death or has been near death enough to be familiar with it. Ultimately I think it's semantics that relies heavily on context to give a proper meaning.

[Jade Harley]

"To know death" sounds more awesome, too.

[Cell]

I would argue that you are both right.

"To know death" sounds more awesome, too.

[Trixie]

Context plays a large part here as well.

While knowing Death can refer to being on a first name basis with the Grim Reaper. Knowing about Death conveys that you know of something or have second hand information regarding the topic.

I know of Death. He doesn't return my phone calls.

I know about death. All of my grandparents are dead.

[Koal]

Ah, but I would say you have a better standpoint on the argument, considering the context of the English language. Like you say:

I know of something, which is to say I have had personal contact and understanding.

I know about death, which is to say that I know about death, and lack the aforementioned personal level of understanding.

This may be a bit basic, but I would liken t to being book smart vs. street smart. Or intelligence vs. common sense.

*shrugs*