Why do we Fear Death?


Worldwide, death is thought to be terrifying, it is a time in which we lose someone or something dear to us. Whether it’s a cinematic scene, pet, friend or a relative. Death is there and will always be there and it is something we will all have to deal with. It is heartbreaking, depressing and even life changing but it can also be urged that it is a time in which we rejoice and celebrate someone’s life because of the impact they had on their community. Therefore, eulogies are held at funerals to lighten up the mood, giving a sense of optimism and instead of mourning the loss of someone we celebrate them for who they are and giving them a proper farewell. Death should not be feared, death is a moment of peace and tranquility, all your worries are finally gone, and all the burdens of life are gone. Although you will fear what is to come next, and what will happen to your loved ones once you’re gone, you should come to the realization that you have completed your purpose on earth and therefore should be ready for what is to come next. As we saw in Lincoln in the bardo, we read about what comes next with Willie’s story in which he is stuck in this time and space between death and afterlife. He does not want to leave the bardo and is just a spirit stuck in-between death and the afterlife simply because he can’t come into the terms that he has passed. Death is just another step we will all have to face one day, we can either face it with fear or we can deal with it as it should be dealt with. Whether you believe in the afterlife or not, we must honor the dead and not forget them for who they were and what they meant to us.  

Comments

  1. Brooke CJanuary 18, 2019 at 6:02 PM

    I like how you chose to approach the topic of death in a more uplifting matter. It is true that many people view death as something frightening and often times unsettling but I think that your point here helped to see a different side to that. You mention that death is something that is unavoidable and that all living things will experience this in the end. However, it is possible to look at death as a peaceful conclusion to life where no pain or fear exists. I think this is an important factor when talking about death because it creates a feeling of hope in what is yet to come. I also like how you included the part on eulogies. This ,in a sense, creates a feeling of comfort for the living, knowing that their loved one will be celebrated and remembered. The example of Willie in Lincoln in the Bardo was a good example of someone who refuses to except that he has passed on. If Willie looked at death in the same way you mentioned ,it is quite possible that he would have accepted it with confidence and been able to move on more efficiently. Overall I thought that you chose to write about this topic in an insightful and encouraging way and you did a good job explaining the the more peaceful side of death.

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  2. Cincere EngramJanuary 20, 2019 at 8:34 PM

    I personally think we fear death because even though we know that death is inevitable we do not know when either we or what we hold as a dear part of our lives is going to die. In other words death is scary because it can happen at any time. The fact that death can happen at any time also makes us less inclined to accept or believe it. Death is scary because of the aspect of mystery is involved. Another thing that makes death scary to us is that not only can we die at anytime there are many causes and factors that lead to death as well making death even scarier.

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