Why do we fear death?

Question

For everyone who things that we move on into another life, whether it be different or better, why do we fear death?

Yes, I am young. I just don't understand why we fear the unknown, why not embrace it? After all isn't that what philosophy is? Trying to figure out the unknown?

I have had a near death experience but I'm not saying I want to die, I just don't understand why we fear it. Thanks for all your answers though!

Answer 1

I understand that we often embrace the unknown. There are people that search for the unknown. There are also people that don't fear death. But death is not only an unknown, it is forever. That is the biggest fear. But at 63, I do not fear death. It is not something that I will willingly go to, but I don't fear it.

Answer 2

If you are a young person, that would rather embrace death, you are definately mature, but given an death circumstance you might change your mind unless you are living with some sort of terminal illness. I believe people fear what they don't understand, and as of right now I don't want to die because I have a son to raise and a husband who needs me, but I often tell my husband if I die that's okay it's all part of the big plan. Now as i get older and more tired and have seen everything I want to see and done everything I want to do, then I will welcome death. I just hope to never suffer.

Answer 3

Many religious claim an afterlife, but most of them fear death. This is odd since there are promises of an afterlife.

We fear pain rather than death. We often consider death to be a painful process and it is very often that we will do things to avoid pain.

Many though accept death and do not fear it -- it is just part of a cycle that we all will go through.

Answer 4

I fear death because i feel that i have not got what i want out of life. Those who have lived and lived well don't really fear death. Instead, they sometimes want to die. Maybe there is a link somewhere there? I don't know.

Good question though!

Answer 5

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself"

Franklin Deleanor Roosevelt


Death is not to be feared.

It is not something that even exists.

Life only exists.

To exist with the world, is to be one with the galaxy.

In "Silence of the Lambs", Hannibal Lecturn murdered, he molested, he mass mutilated.

He didn't accept life, he took life for granted.

There are people out there who live in this world, without a care in the world, yet they don't even care if their own sister is alive or dead.

I know people like that.

Suicide is not the answer. Taking your life is not the answer. The answer is to turn to God, to accept God in your life, for who he is.

If you are thinking about taking your life, you should call The Boys and Girls Hotline.

The origins of life are controversial. Yes there are theories if God really exists or not.

But that isn't the question, the question is are we "deemed" to be loved or not?

Are we to accept gratituous love?

The answer is yes, there is someone out there that loves you and that cares for you.


[e-mail]

Answer 6

We are taught to fear it. Children of very young ages have no such fear and only learn it from the emotional responses of those around them. If we were taught that death is simply a transformation from one way of being to another as a butterfly, there would be no fear.

Answer 7

Fear Of The Unknown. I know I'm not looking forward to it.

Answer 8

If I knew there is a positive afterlife the prospect of death would not be frightening, but the prospect of simply ceasing to exist and have consciousness is unpleasant. Much more frightening is the prospect of Hell, should the afterlife exist: While I don't think I have been wicked enough to merit Hell, I know I have not been virtuous enough to merit Heaven on my own merits, so that's somewhat scary!

Answer 9

I don't think it's the actual dying part, I think people fear not knowing what is after you die. People only like things they understand. 0.o

Answer 10

Why you call it unknown..look you say you're young..About me I still 15 but I know the truth of death..and I'm ready to die in any moment cuz life is short and doesnot deserve even to think of it..
I BELIEVE in unknown and my quran and prophet told what death is..
I know many people before they get buried. who had asmile on their face which reflect eternal happiness..then I hope to die
life is scary and full of surprices..but if you make agood deeds,, obeyed your god. you`ll be keen to death to get your REAL reward..I'm not frustrating you .. I'm showing you the facts..enjoy your time.. have fun but don't forget your blind date ..with the death..
best wishes : )