I'm not interested in the opinion of those who are convinced of an afterlife. I mean no disrespect by that, but I am interested in hearing the opinion of people who suspect that death is the end of sentience. To me, the fear isn't from pain or suffering after one dies, because that would be irrational. My fear is non-being, that is, this world, which is known through me, will end forever. Some people compare this to sleep, but sleep is partly dreams, and the sleeper is generally convinced after his rest that he/she will awake. My fear is the idea of never awaking again. What are your thoughts?
2007-03-06 05:02:13 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
well my thoughts on this question, from an islamic point of view, evreybody is acountable for their deeds and actions. it's wether if you do bad or good. im not sure what religion you are but, im sure there is something you can look up on. in most religions, people worship an item or a spirit. people wonder weather if they are going to go to hell or heaven. well im just saying, the choice is yours
2007-03-06 05:08:48 · answer #1 · answered by *~FaRiYa KaZi~* 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The most important person in my life brought this same question to me. I know you stated that you did not want answers from those who were convinced of an afterlife, but your question mentions your fear of "not-being" so I would like to calm your fear. I am also compelled to respond because it is meaningless to answer a question that excludes from consideration the correct answer. The truth of whether or not there is an afterlife can be known by anyone who truly seeks the answer. Everything continues albeit in a form that may change. Simply stated God is eternal and the God part of each of us is eternal. Our western traditions have not provided sufficient guidance on the Art of Dying that is present in other traditions. Paramahansa Yogananda relates the story of the Guru who went through the town screaming with joy that he was about to (translated into English) "kick the frame." Then he fell down dead. We all need to be that in touch with ourselves and particularly the parts of ourselves that are eternal. Since my mind is constructed in the Christian tradition I am guided in the Art of Dying by "The Holy Spirit." Through the kind and patient teaching of the Holy Spirit I have been shown how to prepare for my post earthly life existence. I have been taught what continues and what does not and I have learned at least in general terms what my role and responsibilities will be after this life. Take heart you should have no fear of "non-being" because that is impossible.
2007-03-06 06:12:52 · answer #2 · answered by b_steeley 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"...the sleeper is generally convinced after his rest that he/she will awake."
Hmm...the sleeper is generally not convinced of anything; he is asleep. On the other hand, I am not fearful as I tuck myself into bed each night because of the certainty you attribute to the sleeper.
But if I never awake, well, I will have missed having experienced any fear whatsoever! What a wonderful death, wouldn't you agree?
So your fear stems from the understandable importance you've placed on your own existence in contrast with the perceived lack of importance your existence will likely bear on this planet hundreds of years from now. More succinctly, you're fearful of the irrelevance of your life (after death).
Join the club and write a book like everyone else! Seriously, I understand and respect your fear, but as you grow and experience the diversity, fragility and breadth of life on this planet, you will come to accept your insignificance (I know how this must sound) in stride and appreciate the important, yet transient role you'll have on those closest to you.
Look up Miguel de Unamuno (Spanish philosopher at the turn of the 20th Century and predecessor of Existentialist theory). His longing to find some assurance of immortality was borne of a similar fear.
2007-03-06 05:25:45 · answer #3 · answered by el_dormilon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh gosh, that is the exact reason I am so afraid of death. Because of the lack of consciousness. Of course, people say that when you are dead you won't realize or care. But I don't ever want to not exist! I like my mind, appearance, beliefs, and I don't want to lose these. It is not ONLY that I cannot comprehend a state of nothingness, but that I don't WANT it to happen to me.
Look at your room, blink your eyes. You are so aware of everything in your life. How could you possibly be nothing for millions of years?
The only things that could make me content would be proof of an afterlife or immortality. I'm not expecting either.
2007-03-06 08:40:25 · answer #4 · answered by toxicPoison 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also had a really hard time dealing with this subject, because I don't believe in god. One day my psychology professor said to me, "I wasn't worried about anything before I was born, so I'm not worried about dying, either."
And that's exactly what death will be like. It'll be just like it was before you were born. I know it's hard to accept that this life will be gone, and you won't remember anything. But death is a part of life and the best thing that you can do is to appreciate the time that you do have, and live your life for yourself and not for anybody else.
2007-03-06 05:15:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess when you are face to face with death or have experienced bits of it e.g. through a loved one, in an accident etc. with those as glimpses to death...you tend to accept it in a gradual process that we all will get to accept it in a humane manner, and not see it as a negative thing but just simply a process.
2007-03-06 05:09:49 · answer #6 · answered by shanekeavy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i was dead once, or thought as much, i ahd the life flash, it was like a sped up real of my life playing. then there ws ntohing and it was black, jsut nothing. my brain thought i was dead, tehn it snapped back to it. that one moment led to 17 years of killing teh pain with alcohol. i was alone cuz i had nothing to believe in after this life. so i finally changed i finally did see ' the light" and i believe there is aan afterlife w jesus.
so to answer your question i think people see or believe that becuz they dotn beleive in an afterlife, tehy beleive this is all there is
2007-03-06 16:01:08 · answer #7 · answered by cav 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe in an afterlife; that we will all be judged by our actions done in this world and nothing else. It's exciting yet intimidating. Enjoy life, do the best, and you'll definitely enjoy whatever lies ahead.
2007-03-06 05:12:57 · answer #8 · answered by YA!!! 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are correct, it is hard for humans to conceive of a cessation of their consciousness. I don't fear it, I simply have a hard time comprehending it. And it isn't like sleep, I agree again.
2007-03-06 05:09:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no life after death so I had better enjoy it while it lasts, the ups as well as the downs.
2007-03-06 05:31:00 · answer #10 · answered by lisateric 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋