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I was under the impression that the fear of death is a near universal instinct amongst living things, but humans, given our unique intelligence may know the fea

I was under the impression that the fear of death is a near universal instinct amongst living things, but humans, given our unique intelligence may know the fear of it better than any other animal because we understand that it is coming for us all. Personally, I was around seven years old when I realized that there was no god and it meant that death would be the end of my consciousness. It probably didn't help that I had an operation about that time using general anesthesia which effectively turned my brain off for a few hours and showed me what it might mean to be dead for a short time - a period in which I was not present and formed no memories, and what it would mean to be dead for an infinite time. I was not a particularly easy-going child after that.

layer8 2y ago
While I would like to live essentially forever, I wasn’t ever really terrified of death. It’s more like a regret or melancholy that that’s how physical reality works. Maybe readings like https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8579608 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8579608 could improve your coping with the outlook.
neom 2y ago
I had no fear of death at all till my 40s, and I wouldn't call what I have now a fear, a slight sadness maybe, just about how many more bats I can swing or whatever, this life has been a great one, so it will be annoying to end it, still it's not fear. I really appreciate you sharing your story, helps me think about my own thoughts and feelings. :) <3
tagami 2y ago
“A coward dies a thousand times before his death, but the valiant taste of death but once. It seems to me most strange that men should fear, seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.” - Shakespeare, Julius Caesar
- silverquiet 2y ago
  Makes sense, but I've also seen many brave fools meet their end rather young.

layer8 2y ago

While I would like to live essentially forever, I wasn’t ever really terrified of death. It’s more like a regret or melancholy that that’s how physical reality works. Maybe readings like https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8579608 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8579608 could improve your coping with the outlook.

neom 2y ago

I had no fear of death at all till my 40s, and I wouldn't call what I have now a fear, a slight sadness maybe, just about how many more bats I can swing or whatever, this life has been a great one, so it will be annoying to end it, still it's not fear. I really appreciate you sharing your story, helps me think about my own thoughts and feelings. :) <3

tagami 2y ago

“A coward dies a thousand times before his death, but the valiant taste of death but once. It seems to me most strange that men should fear, seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.” - Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

silverquiet 2y ago
Makes sense, but I've also seen many brave fools meet their end rather young.