“Social scientists have shown that, when reminded of their own mortality judges, fearful of death, dole out more severe penalties, and people become more judgmental and hostile to those who are different and don’t share their beliefs. The “death denial” principle explains many of the religious prejudices that cause conflict”. (Tending the Epicurean Garden, Hiram Crespo).
Are people that fearful of death? I have to accept that maybe they are. But let me try to describe another point of view, speaking personally, if I may. I am not afraid of death – it passes, hopefully quickly, if it has to come. What I worry about, most importantly, is leaving my dear wife, with whom I have had so little time, and the dire thought of her having to deal alone with this complex and difficult world that requires customers to do all the work with so little trained help, and which pays little heed to the elderly. Secondly, there are so many things that would be left undone. Among these: music not yet committed to paper and recorded, a whole book of verse and poetry sitting there unpublished, not to mention my drawing of people (still unsatisfactory), singing (not practiced enough) and expertise in cooking (elementary). Time is so short and there are so many exciting things to do. It’s about frustration, not fear. Anyone else out there who feels the same way?
The fear of death has been usurped by religious tyrants in order to subjugate the ignorant masses to their every whim: do as we say or else God will BURN YOU WITH FIRE!! It is the hallmark of a civilised society to ignore this delusion and see the truth- this life is all we have; which is why we should be free to live it the way we choose, rather than have our lives dictated to by a corrupt elite in exchange for the absence of eternal torment.
It is no surprise that totalitarian rationale has often justified by Judeo-Christian theology. Socially conservative politicians have stolen from us, the wonder and beauty of life, and have ordered us to waste it chasing after the achievable: moral perfection. What we really should be doing is living our lives in the best and most fulfilling way we can. Unfortunately, that requires individual liberty and social security- both of which are an anathema to the conservative ideal.
That should say unachievable in the above comment, my mistake.
“Time is so short and there are so many exciting things to do. It’s about frustration, not fear. Anyone else out there who feels the same way?”
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Yes, on the whole, I share your perspective. What a fine post.