There's a difference between not being conceptually afraid to die, and being in that moment that it's happening 'right now'. Not many have the perspective of the latter, but the prior is much easier to quantify. I can very much get with not fearing the inevitable, because I think there are so many other things more worthy of fearing than things I can't do anything about. I think TH is actually right on the money here: what we fear most is not physical death, but not having made the most of what life we have, having no mark to leave in our wake. (who knew I had something in common with your favorite celeb :p) I think in a world where all of the major religions are built around what happens after we die, to say the world as a whole doesn't fear death would be silly, but an immediate, quantifiable physical death isn't what scares people most, so it's easy to say 'I don't fear it', because it's the unknown and unquantifiable aspect that makes people more nervous. Of course, I'm sure some people probably say it to sound cool, without
( ... )
I get the difference-although I don't really believe that most people are aware of it, spiritually so to say. Rationally yes-but we are all human, living beings. We want to live. We desire life
( ... )
I think when the lack of fear is a thoughtful stance and a conscious decision, it automatically rings sincere.
To recognise and overcome our instincts, we have to first identify them as such-and because you do that, nothing you say sounds immature or generic.
But how many people did you meet, who had similarly pondered these things. I probably wouldn't have if I would not have been forced to, due to circumstances.
Religions is another wonderful point-I often forget about it because I grew up in an anti-religious household but because I already was anti-religious by default I never went through this phase of rejecting religion which might be an important one in one's WerdegangI find to acknowledge the monstrosity of death isn't necessarily worrying and not smelling the roses. I agree with you here, that there are two sides-a practical, everyday view, and the philosophical meaning. To me being able to appreciate life in its fullest is also, to be aware-to try to be at least. That also means to face all the aspects of life honestly
( ... )
The famous phrase - more people are afraid of public speaking than death. I love public speaking - it's like having a conversation where the other bastards can't interrupt you! I'm not afraid of death, but I sure don't want to get old. I dunno that I've ever heard anyone describe their greatest fear as 'dying', to be honest. Birds, butterflies, sharks in swimming pools, animals of all sorts even kittens, shop assistants, but not death.
Oh, and one of those from that list is mine, can you guess?
I used to be afraid of public speaking, but that was 20 years ago. Since then I sang drunken songs in karaoke bars and last Friday even in one with an open stage-I should be ok now!
Butterflies?
My friend is horrified by butterflies. And another by pigeons. And I saw a really funny presentation by a guy who explained his fear of sharks in swimming pools which was really cute.
I honestly can't say if I am afraid of dying. I can climb fences and trees, but I cannot look down while climbing-that's kind of fear of dying I guess?
A guy once went at me with a knife and I didn't run away-I ran towards him. So not only not afraid but also dumb ... (I was unarmed)
Comments 10
There's a difference between not being conceptually afraid to die, and being in that moment that it's happening 'right now'. Not many have the perspective of the latter, but the prior is much easier to quantify.
I can very much get with not fearing the inevitable, because I think there are so many other things more worthy of fearing than things I can't do anything about.
I think TH is actually right on the money here: what we fear most is not physical death, but not having made the most of what life we have, having no mark to leave in our wake. (who knew I had something in common with your favorite celeb :p)
I think in a world where all of the major religions are built around what happens after we die, to say the world as a whole doesn't fear death would be silly, but an immediate, quantifiable physical death isn't what scares people most, so it's easy to say 'I don't fear it', because it's the unknown and unquantifiable aspect that makes people more nervous.
Of course, I'm sure some people probably say it to sound cool, without ( ... )
Reply
Reply
Reply
To recognise and overcome our instincts, we have to first identify them as such-and because you do that, nothing you say sounds immature or generic.
But how many people did you meet, who had similarly pondered these things. I probably wouldn't have if I would not have been forced to, due to circumstances.
Religions is another wonderful point-I often forget about it because I grew up in an anti-religious household but because I already was anti-religious by default I never went through this phase of rejecting religion which might be an important one in one's WerdegangI find to acknowledge the monstrosity of death isn't necessarily worrying and not smelling the roses. I agree with you here, that there are two sides-a practical, everyday view, and the philosophical meaning. To me being able to appreciate life in its fullest is also, to be aware-to try to be at least. That also means to face all the aspects of life honestly ( ... )
Reply
Oh, and one of those from that list is mine, can you guess?
Reply
Reply
Reply
I used to be afraid of public speaking, but that was 20 years ago. Since then I sang drunken songs in karaoke bars and last Friday even in one with an open stage-I should be ok now!
Butterflies?
My friend is horrified by butterflies. And another by pigeons. And I saw a really funny presentation by a guy who explained his fear of sharks in swimming pools which was really cute.
I honestly can't say if I am afraid of dying. I can climb fences and trees, but I cannot look down while climbing-that's kind of fear of dying I guess?
A guy once went at me with a knife and I didn't run away-I ran towards him. So not only not afraid but also dumb ... (I was unarmed)
Reply
Leave a comment