"I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue. But much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking. The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides."
2006-09-21 15:27:44 · 22 answers · asked by Toronto 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It was said by this guy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_sagan
2006-09-21 15:34:00 · update #1
I think it's great. Religious upbringings and preconceived morals aside, people can't know for certain whether or not there is an afterlife. All that is absolutely certain is right now, this very moment, and most people find that frightening... hence some of the previous responses...
2006-09-21 15:34:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The beauty of the belief in life afer death is the HOPE in it. If you are born blind, if you are born with a birth defect, if you are born poor or illiterate, if you are born with any of the many handicaps that this life holds for people, what then?
Even if your contention is true, there is no harm in believing in after life, per se. Even if there is no such thing as afterlife, no harm is done in trying to do good to get a better aferlife.
That said, also think this:
Howcome only a few people such as Moses, Jesus and Mohammad who all claim connection to the ONE LORD are so very succesful when there are many other men and women who have come and gone without leaving a deep imprint on humanity? Howcome the works of the godly keep going on and on, while the works of those who may perhaps be more skilled and intelligent die off?
Is there a God Almighty? Perhaps there is life after death. How can you refute something that you do not have a proof. In other words as you stated very well that there is no evidence of life after death, there is no evidence to show there is NO LIFE after death either, which is just as arbitrary as the belief that there IS LIFE after death.
So, once you keep all of these factors in mind, there is at least no harm in believing in life after death, whereas if you believe this is it, that can be the foundation of much depression for people who hold on to hope in this life.
I hope this answers your question.
2006-09-21 22:38:08 · answer #2 · answered by NQV 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel sorry for the person who wrote that quote. As beautiful as things can be here, as exquisite it is, It will be much better when we are home with Jesus. The mind cannot conceive all the beauty and wonders that are in store for us. This life is short, but then we get to spend eternity with God. Jesus said in the Gospel of John, when the apostles asked Him where He was going
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.
He's preparing a place for the believers more beautiful than you can imagine.
Carl Sagan was an atheistic scientist who probably will never see the wonders Jesus had for him.
2006-09-21 22:30:44 · answer #3 · answered by ted.nardo 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The quote comes from Sagan's book, The Demon-Haunted World. I'm about half way through the book right now. Sagan will be sorely missed.
2006-09-21 22:41:55 · answer #4 · answered by Kathryn™ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just think its someone explaining why he or she does not believe in the afterlife. They are looking around at things to appreciate while alive instead of focusing on what happens after we die, for which there is no evidence. I like it. It is a thoughtful examination of that person's beliefs. It embraces life instead of fearing death. Wonderful. Someone mentioned Carl Sagan. I kind of thought that sounded like him.
2006-09-21 22:32:26 · answer #5 · answered by Lillith 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well, I think the last line is good and right...."to be greatful", etc.
But, I'd rather be a believer in God and eternity with the opportunity to be one that gets to heaven, than to swear off of
it because it could be "wishful thinking" and then it be true, and
you'd be one who would miss heaven at the end of time. The
choice is yours and mine. I believe in God and eternal life.
2006-09-21 22:37:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honest and beautiful. I don't agree with all of it but it takes guts to say what you feel and be honest about it.
The world would be a better place if more people felt this way.
Please post the author.
-Rob
2006-09-21 22:34:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a beautiful quote. Tell me who said it, if you would. I agree with it to a word. Let's celebrate our live in this marvelous world and stop looking to myth for our joy.
2006-09-21 22:31:14 · answer #8 · answered by Thomas C 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ah, Carl Sagan. Beautiful. :-)
2006-09-21 22:31:11 · answer #9 · answered by Bramblyspam 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People are free to believe what they will. I believe in my Savior Jesus, and that is good enough for me.
2006-09-21 22:45:51 · answer #10 · answered by Not perfect, just forgiven 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋