(November 16, 2012 at 11:16 pm)gambino Wrote: The reason I don't like the idea of dying, is because I cherish my family. I can hardly conceive of all the love I once had for them, not existing anymore.
Quit obsessing about what you can't control. If loving your family is what's important then make damn sure you dipense to them as much as you can before you go tits up. You act as if those you leave behind will not remember your love. I'm atheist, but I still light two candles every Christmas on behalf of my departed grandmother in the candelabras she gave me for this very express purpose. Grandma was hardcore catholic, but she gave me these a few years after my 'open' atheism.
Concern for your posterity is futile and narcissistic. The memory of almost all humans passes with those that actually knew them. The exception of course are people of noteriety; e.g. Aristotle, Lincoln, Hitler, Einstein, etc. If our species survives another 20,000 years even these names will become minor notes in an historical tome. This says nothing about what happens a billion years from now.
Oblivion is our destiny. Be thankful for the ride and make the most of it. Any other attitude does a disservice to those you proclaim to love.
