From the time I was a child, I have given a lot of thought to what happens once we die. I was not raised in a very religious household. However, I have been to a few Catholic services (my mother was raised Catholic, but she never really tried to bring me into the religion). I used to believe that maybe there was something after life-- some sort of heaven or maybe even an after-life. In retrospect, I think maybe the latter part is a result of my affinity for Ancient Egyptian mythology and culture. My father teaches 6th grade social studies, so he got me into the topic from a very young age. However, my views have changed a lot over the years. Reincarnation has never been something I've believed in or even wanted to believe in. I read once that the idea of reincarnation or any type of life post-death is a reflection of man's desire to keep himself in the world; he cannot bear to think of existence without himself. While I believe that's maybe a tad dramatic, my views are not very far off. I believe that when you die, you're dead and there's not really much to it. Life does not continue (for you). It is eternal blackness that you are not conscious to experience because you're... no longer living. Bodies decay or remain in the form of ash and are maybe rejoined with the earth. So in that sense, I guess I can sort of say I agree with reincarnation... once you become part of the earth again, little remnants of your body will help further the ecosystem.
But how do people achieve immortality since they cannot actually live forever? Well, they do drastic things or accomplish great things in the short time they have. While a person could live on in someone's memory, eventually those people will die, too. And oral recollections of people can only live for so long before they become irrelevant or morphed in a game of telephone. Books and written stories may last longer, but it is easier for them to be physically destroyed (especially if the world ever reaches some sort of dystopian future; books are often the first things burned... not to say that doesn't happen in real life. During World War II, books were burned in Nazi Germany as a form of control). Others try to preserve themselves in a more biological sense. They reproduce to keep their gene pool going. All fair things to do, but I also have a hard time believing that immortality in general can be met. Perhaps it's a little dark, but maybe that's the best thing for the world. I don't think people are meant to last forever.
I always love reading your blog posts! I disagree with you in some areas, but the section you included about man just wanting to keep himself alive struck a chord. My logical brain has told me that there's no way there's a magical place only our souls can go. It tells me that I am who I am because I have a brain, and when my brain ceases to exist so will I. But I want so much to believe and convince myself that there is something beyond this world, that it won't just be over as quickly as it began. I really struggle with this concept and often have to push it out of my mind. Very enjoyable, thought-provoking post, Quincy!
ReplyDeleteQuincy, I liked how you incorporated a little bit of background about the different thoughts and religions you were exposed to as a child. It gave your post a more personal touch! I have a thought I would like to add to your piece about reincarnation. I can see the idea that man can not envision a world without himself, but I think that the idea may have risen out of a desire to establish a great sense of justice. During one's lifetime, one could commit crimes and not be fully punished or punished at all, but with idea of reincarnation an individual is bound to receive retribution at some point. Also, you mention the idea that "little remnants" of our bodies get assimilated into the environment. How do you feel about that? Do you find it beautiful? Odd? Gross? You seem somewhat indifferent, but I feel like you might have an inkling one way or another. All in all, you had a great, thought-provoking post!
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting to read your blog post. I disagree that there is no afterlife, but I do agree that people can only last in people's memories for so long before those people that remembered die out. I never thought of it in that way. Unless people were written in history books, they will eventually be forgotten forever. I also liked that you included pieces of history about World War II. By the way you described what happens to people when they die, I would feel very scared to die--having no afterlife. I want to feel reassured when I die, knowing where I will go. That's on of the reasons why I believe in heaven and hell. But it was great to read your post!
ReplyDeleteWell, I cant say I exactly agree with you, but your post really did give me a good insight though. I mean, what you say isn't false, us as humans aren't meant to last forever in memories. There were many deaths throughout the centuries, so it only makes sense that we don't remember everyone's. It pains me to say it, but within the next 200 years or so, we may not even be remembered as contributing to this world. I am rather shocked that your views changed so much over the years, so I do suggest that you be more specific on how your views changed so much over the course of time. Though I found you post bleak (no offense, it was really well done) it really did tell me the truth flat out. No matter how hard you try to reject the fact, people are simple not meant to be immortal. Kings die, leaders die, even those who are deeply religious die. There I no escape from deaths grasp. Overall, your post was very insightful and sincere. Excellent job.
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