meaning - "To think" idiom

I have this Magic: The Gathering card flavor text: “To think some believe it peaceful to die in one's sleep.”

What exactly that “to think” means?

Answer

In this context, “to think” is like “I can't believe...” or “It is strange...”. The phrase on the card means “I can't believe that some people think it is peaceful to die in his/her sleep”. Examples:

• To think some people don't like candy.


• To think he lives near the beach but can't swim.

It is kind of an antiquated phrase and isn't used all that often.