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Why in gods name would I be frightened of oblivion? Dying is terrifying, because it comes with implications of suffering. No longer existing is simply enthral
by Ntrails 12y ago
Why in gods name would I be frightened of oblivion? Dying is terrifying, because it comes with implications of suffering. No longer existing is simply enthralling. I will simply be gone. A just reward for making it through a lifetime imo.
- the_gipsy 12y agoI can't tell you why the thought of ceasing to exist would be frightening. It simply is to me, and I believe to most people. And most people, including me, ignore it and focus on the joys of life. There are of course different degrees of this displacement, some people may still acknowledge the idea but others might completely convince themselves that there is nothing to be scared of - or maybe there really is a way to enjoy a finite life span. Mind you that this a very intimate and subjective topic, and I am not saying that you are fooling yourself, but from someone who is indeed scared of death (the end of life), it does seem plausible.
- Luc 12y agoIt's perfect, since nobody can ever prove they're not fooling themselves. Perhaps I'll keep fooling myself until I die and die a fool.
- Ntrails 12y agoLife is not [just/only] full of joys, but of obligations, troubles, and pain. Those who enjoy life are doubtless scared of losing it - it's foolish to assume that everyone does though. Nor can such a position be swept away as illness or irrationality. It is neither. If someone gave me a way out right now that caused nobody for whom I care any pain, I'd take it. If I am honest I reckon I'd probably wonder about "what's next" for a good few minutes before saying yes...
- sago 12y agoI am not saying that you are fooling yourself, but The mirror image is that we aren't fooling ourselves, we've just been able to rise above our heavy inculturation to such fear. An inculturation that you're still stuck in. That seems plausible too. That's meant in good humour btw, my point is really that speculation that other people disagree because they are in denial, or ignorant, is pretty tempting, but usually not very helpful to discussion.
- the_gipsy 12y agoI don't mean to say that "other people are ignorant". I myself ignore and displace this constantly... until at some moments I am reminded. I actually didn't intend to sound condescending, I should have made clear that I actually ignore death myself. Regarding inculturation: I believe it is actually right the other way round! That a child when first encountering the thought of death and its implication, is naturally terrified, and that our society/culture provides means of coping with this fear.
- themartorana 12y agoHumorously poignant: http://www.smbc-comics.com/index.php?db=comics&id=3625 http://www.smbc-comics.com/index.php?db=comics&id=3625