Fear of death

[Shell B]

But none of this is relevent as you shall be dead, therefore you would not be unhappy, just non-existant.

Duh. We're talking about fear of death, which obviously doesn't occur after death. Slightly fearing the consequences now does not mean I think I will be around to feel them.

[Welsh cake]

I have no fear of oblivion, becoming nothing, passing back into the void of non-existence. Death is a sweet release from pain.

Life on the other hand terrifies me. This existence, this reality is at times downright frightening, seemingly spending every moment of it in stress, coping with poverty, challenges and other worries. Living in fear, with worry and doubt of its uncertainties and problems.

[Norfolk And Chance]

I used to be scared of death, but more recently I've sort have came to terms with it. Oh, I wouldn't say I was comfortable with it or anything, but the realisation that it is inescapable reality for everyone, is slightly comforting.

The major problem I have, not that it is going to bother me when it happens, is the non existence, and furthermore not even knowing I ever existed - can't take those sweet and not so sweet memories beyond the grave. I just find it difficult to get my head around the end, the finality of it all, even though that conclusion seems logical and obvious to me.

I can see why many theists cling on to the afterlife dream, it takes away the cold, hard reality of death. I find it most upsetting when children and young people die. And dogs. They don't live long enough either.

To conclude, I can cope with not existing any more, but I think we are short changed with our normal lifespan of 70 ish years. 300-400 years would be nice.

Oh yes, why are theists seemingly just as scared of dying as atheists, is a question I've always pondered - they give advice just like anyone "don't do that, it might kill you" - um, so what?

[Erinome]

I don't believe in an afterlife. I think the whole thought of which was only meant to be a comfort to those who are afraid to die. I'm not. I think death will be an endless reprieve.

This thread made me think of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCiKxjZTa2I

[helmespc]

I'm moderately afraid of the process of dying... and more afraid of getting old and losing everyone I love.

[5thHorseman]

But none of this is relevent as you shall be dead, therefore you would not be unhappy, just non-existant.

Duh. We're talking about fear of death, which obviously doesn't occur after death. Slightly fearing the consequences now does not mean I think I will be around to feel them.

I have this detestable habit of when i read your posts(and just yours, weirdly), I miss the point, if i had highlighted 4 more words i would've got that point, sorry Shell.

[Shell B]

Haha, no need to apologize.

[genkaus]

The idea of my death terrifies me, but it has more do do with dying before I'm ready. I simply love my life and want to experience as much as I can before I go. Once I get bored, I wouldn't mind dying as much. Let's just say, I'd be perfectly fine with my death as long as I could set the terms and conditions of it.

The truth is, eternal life terrifies me more than death. The worst thing I'm afraid of finding out is that there is an afterlife and it doesn't get over. It wouldn't matter if I'm in heaven or hell, if I wake up in either after my death, I'll kill myself, again.

[J.D.]

I don't believe in an afterlife and I do not fear death right now. However, I am sure that when the time comes that I will experience fear, followed by acceptance.

I was with my father when he died from an unexpected illness. He was the bravest man I ever knew, and yet I saw the fear in his eyes when he realized that he was dying. He fought death off as hard as he could for three days, but when the time came, it was almost like nature made it easy for him to accept. There was actually some feeling of relief. We said good bye to each other, I told him that I loved him, he told me that he loved me and then he left us peacefully.

I think that's the way it will be, nature has a way of making death a relief. I believe that we will ultimately accept it, if not embrace it.

It is only recently that I have become comfortable as an atheist. It has always been difficult for me to believe and I have never been religious. I do think that I liked to take comfort in an afterlife, but deep down I always knew that it was bunk and the lie of the hereafter probably made me fear death more.

However, I look at it differently now. Knowing that I am not immortal that this is all that I have, makes this life so much sweeter. This is a precious thing life, and we should enjoy it as much as possible and make the most of it.

When I die, I will simply pass into nothingness from where I came and that is as it should be.

[Erinome]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOXMjCnKwb4

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I'm just high.