why do peole fear death?

[Jin]

I don't see the reason why anyone should fear death, it's just and eternal rest, (I guess)

Everyone says that until they start dying. Then suddenly, they aren't so philosophical.

People fear death for the same reason they fear black people they come across in an alley.

[Jesus Christ]

Everyone says that until they start dying. Then suddenly, they aren't so philosophical.

People fear death for the same reason they fear black people they come across in an alley.

Because they are afraid it will rape them and steal their bike and/or wallet?

[Lilium]

Because they are afraid it will rape them and steal their bike and/or wallet?

Exactly (almost). Because Death will rape them AND steal their wallet.

[Emerald620]

I agree with 1wingeddevil's original post. I think people just fear losing what they have in the current life. And they are just scared of the question "What's on the other side?" But than again, there is this old quote, "Curiosity killed the cat". Some people just happen to like that fact and see what is actually on the other side.

[draco]

Here is a peice of advice so listen. DO NOT FEAR DEATH OR YOU WILL LIVE IN FEAR YOUR WHOLE LIFE. The reson I say this is because people will never know when they will die.

[Omega Weapon]

It's obvious that some peoples fear death because they are not ready to meet God. However, Those who don't believe in God fear death because they don't know what lies beyond it, they just fear the unknown and fear of the unknown is natural. It applies to all things including death.

And they are just scared of the question "What's on the other side?

I believe that people created heaven and hell as a safety blanket to make death a little more comforting. It makes people happy to know that when they die it won't be the end but if they follow in the ways of God that they will be rewarded with eternal happiness and if they disobey then they will burn in hell.

[Furore]

I believe that people created heaven and hell as a safety blanket to make death a little more comforting. It makes people happy to know that when they die it won't be the end but if they follow in the ways of God that they will be rewarded with eternal happiness and if they disobey then they will burn in hell.

If we're bringing beliefs into it, I personally believe that Heaven and (perhaps) Hell both exist, just not as most people seem to believe they do. I see them more as a state of existence after death. Heaven being a state where one knows God, Hell being a state where one rejects God and may be forced to never know Him for the rest of eternity. It just makes sense to me. What's a crueler fate than wondering 'what if?' for all eternity?

I see the 'raging fires of hell' as a form of purgatory. Perhaps just a metaphor for the cleansing of the soul. And that's part of why I don't fear death. I believe in God and I believe that I won't end once dead. Pain has rarely stopped me from doing something due to my high pain tolerance and death would just feel like the beginning of something else to me. I'm curious as to what will happen...

Hell a safety blanket? I get the feeling I'd fear the stereotypical hell a ton of a lot more than just merely ceasing to exist. That would be just another way of being at peace. Hell on the other hand sounds painful and ongoing. Like a burn not quite deep enough to actually kill your nerve endings that would never heal...

[Dead Angel]

Personally i don't fear death, i just fear any chances of pain while dying.

My theory is that some fear death because they know it will happen but they don't know when, so they are afraid of not having enough time to enjoy and live their life. It's the idea that every second you're alive, you're a second closer to inevitable death.

I suppose the happier you are in life, the more you don't want it to end.

[Gar16]

I think one reason people fear death is because it's our instinct to survive. People also fear the pain and suffering involved in death. Everyone has their own opinion of death some people fear it and some people don't. But death can also be a blessing to some one who is suffering from something that is slowly killing them.

As for me i dont want mine to end, im too happy here

[o0CrazyJackal0o]

I say that we fear death because who knows what happens when we die, do we go fly in heaven or burn in hell, are we reborn as a different person or do we simply become a ghost and look across the world, ever watching. I for one do not fear death at all, but yes I fear great pain before death, firstly I don'y believe any of this. I just wait and see for if I go to hell then swell because I would probably deserve it. That is all I will say on this matter, but as they say, death is but the next great adventure...

[bosola]

Personally, I think that the scariest idea about death is the fact that it isn't technically proven what happens. After seeing a couple of the above posts, I notice that there are a lot of people who are religious, and therefore believe in the afterlife or circumstances that occur after death according to their religion... but (and please don't think I'm trying to dismiss anyone's religious beliefs; I think that everybody should be entitled to their own personal opinions) being an agnostic / borderline-athiest/humanist myself, my personal bugbear with dying is the fact that I personally can't quite believe in an afterlife: therefore I think, for me, the possibility of death being the ultimate end - the idea that after death I will cease to be anything but an inanimate object - is what frightens me most.

Again, before I finish my post, I just want to say that I don't want to offend anybody: I know that religious belief is a tender subject for a lot of people, and I wouldn't want anybody to think that I was trying to push my beliefs on others or to anything like that. This is just what I believe.

[Jesus Christ]

People fear death because they've been trained to fear death. Do you really think people were very afraid of death in the earlier days when death was experienced almost constantly around you, and it's how you lived? It was just a natural process then. Not that I'm saying it's bad we're not all killing each other, I'm not a ****ing idiot or anything. Many parts of the world are still in this situation, and I bet the number of people who are afraid of death there is much lower.

And when you have religion dealing you that death is a huge judgement time, to go see if you will burn and suffer forever or not..it kind of creates an atmosphere of general fear that just sinks into culture and doesn't go away. Even if a person is not religious, you'll still see some people repent to a god they never believed in "just..because you never know." They're scared. If that doesn't say something about it, I don't know what does.

But religion utilizing fear is nothing new.

[Meeno]

some people fear death, but i think that people are not afraid of death, they're more afraid how they're going to die (in sleep, heartattack, coma, killed etc.) they just don't want to die painfully. some people are paranoid about death and stuff. i remeber when my religion teacher (when me and my class where learning about death and stuff..) said that when we die, we're like going to be in a dark space, and then when we die, for us, there will be no more time or space, we will forget everything(our family, friends, even stupid stuff..) and we even won't know who we are, and our only purpose will be love for god and we will only look at him.. she was talking about it, and it was interesting, yeah it scared me a little, but i forgot it. i hate those stupid chain letters, in one was if you don't send it in 13 days, you will die, but when i read it, i said: if i'm going to die, then death i'm waiting for you with my hands open. i don't believe in chain letters, but i like to joke about them. so what i'm thinking - scew death, live while you still have the chance!!!

[dsfinalfantasy12]

I'm not scared to die but just I would like to die a quick death not a painfull death.

[Clint]

Ah, this is an easy one to evaluate. People fear death because they know and accept that one day they are going to die. Humans have the ability to learn, while other animals only have the ability of reaction instincts. Through learning, humans develop a self of consciousness, language abilities, social abilities, as well as past memories, and goals for the future. Humans don't have to focus on the hear and now, because they're just too damn smart. Other animals, on the other hand, rely on mere instincts to help them to survive. Through instinct, they focus on their lives day by day. They don't look at the big picture and say "I wonder where I'll be in ten years," because that's just not how they think. Humans are raised to think like that. Animals aren't.

[Nocturne]

I think humans are afraid of death because it is the exact opposite of what they have now, and most people tend to like life. Now for those who dont necessarily like life, I dont buy it. There is ALWAYS at least one thing someone likes in life, even if it is considered evil in someone else's eyes and they dont want to lose that one pleasure.

Death is unknown and could either be good if you believe in something after death (though that doesnt mean you wont be afraid or completely want life to end) or it could be bad if you think there is nothing after this. Because then, when you are on your death bed, you realize that it's all over. It depends on your perspective, but everyone will fear death.

I actually think it's kind of silly why people wonder this. People are afraid of things as little as spiders and bugs, why not be scared of something of much bigger proportion such as death.

[Lunasa]

Apologies in advance to those who are particular towards any religion. These are my beliefs, and they have not the intention of forcing you to believe what I do.

People fear death because there is very little knowledge of what happens after death. Nobody simply knows. Humans tend to tread depending on the experience of others. You haven’t seen any material being tell us an eyewitness account of what exactly dying is, unless you tread into that of the fantasy realm.

However, for some others, it is because they are unwilling to let go of what they have. They do not want to die because people depend on them. They have many desires to succeed whatever they might seek. Fortune. Having a family. Reaching the top of that career. Beating a video game. The human life is so complicated and one gets so used to the complications, they crave it and every material possession becomes dear to them and they feel that death is an abrupt halt to everything.

And why? Because it is one of the many human-strewn theories of what happens during death. Is it painless? Is there really a light to follow? An afterlife? Or like the Buddhists, existing in the constant flow of Samsara- Reincarnation for every damned soul until the end of eternity. No one knows for certain. That is why they fear.

[Nocturne]

I dont think you were offensive at all.

Im Catholic, but I think that alot of other religions could be right as well, and I think alot of other religions have some very good aspects too them. Truthfully, all religions could have bits and pieces correct and there not be a religious but a scientific outcome afterwards.

It all just depends. Personally, I think a higher being makes sense, and Id rather believe that then believing there is nothing after life. I would see no point in anything Id do if there was nothing. So even if Im just fooling myself, then what does it matter since if I wasnt, then I wouldnt care about anything. It's like my whole thought on the matrix. If life is fine and you're happy, what does matter if you are living in a fantasy world that really doesnt exist. If it feels real, then technically, it is real, at least to you. Everyone has their reasons for believing or not believing in something. I may disagree with people and argue with them, but ultimately, Im not going to try and force my ideals down someone's throat or tell them they are wrong.

[Furore]

I think humans are afraid of death because it is the exact opposite of what they have now, and most people tend to like life. Now for those who dont necessarily like life, I dont buy it. There is ALWAYS at least one thing someone likes in life, even if it is considered evil in someone else's eyes and they dont want to lose that one pleasure.

Life is great and loveable, but what of the curious like myself? I plan on living a decent length life, but death doesn't scare me in the slightest due to the curiousity I feel when wondering what exactly happens.

And that's why I think not all people would fear death. I'm a person myself and I don't really see any good reason to fear it. I believe there are likely others like me as well either curious or who just can't understand what happens well enough to give a damn.

I still don't know why some people are so afraid of the unknown when it can be so awesome half of the time. And the gamble itself is exhilarating. Just think of the odds.

[Rikkuffx]

I think people fear death because they dont know whats on the other side or whats going to happen. Plus you dont want to leave your family and friends on earth. I think the fear is more fear of the unknown than death. Thats just my view cause I know that i'm not too scared to die its more of a fear of not knowing that your dead and not knowing whats going to happen.

[Dark Squall]

Hmmm....I actually think ppl afraid of death coz it's painful *Yea...what a brilliant conclusion!*

Srsly, ask yourself...Are you ready to give all of the things you have now? And who knows? maybe there's no heaven or hell? Maybe you'll end up as lost soul *Sorry...too much TV*

I once read something about the same subject in other forums and one of the guys said "I think the soul turn to a new kind of energy that we don't know about. Maybe our definition to the heaven or hell is all wrong!! Anyone knows a dead guy came back from his grave to tell you about how great the heaven is or how horrible the hell is?!"...I think he said something like that

So the ppl are actually afraid if their goin to hell or heaven? If the god tell you you're goin to heaven, will you say no?

[Sinister]

When I first wondered this, I did a little exercise. I found my favorite inventive, colorful and painless method of committing suicide, made it available and then I found my reasons why I feared death... But fear isn't always the best word to define the relationship between death and it's participant. Sometimes it's lighter... Aversion...or a preference to life. Things like "I really like tea" came to mind. "Cooking is fun!". They're reasons to fear death too...

I digress...People "fear" death because they like life. Plus, any major change frightens the timid. Simple as that.

-Sin

[Nocturne]

Life is great and loveable, but what of the curious like myself?

If I were to ask myself that question, the conclusion I would come up to is, what if there is nothing to be curious about after death? What if there is nothing and the curiosity that you exhibit will ultimately mean nothing, therefore the excitement would be gone. You'd never get to feel curious again. That's how I would think someone who is curious would truly feel if they were honest with themselves.

[Furore]

If I were to ask myself that question, the conclusion I would come up to is, what if there is nothing to be curious about after death? What if there is nothing and the curiosity that you exhibit will ultimately mean nothing, therefore the excitement would be gone. You'd never get to feel curious again. That's how I would think someone who is curious would truly feel if they were honest with themselves.

No, no, no. I meant about those who are curious about what exactly happens in death? That's why I don't personally fear it. My curiousity compels me to wonder what exactly will happen, how it will happen and what new experiences if any I might experience through death. I am Christian personally, and I do believe in an afterlife, but I have no idea what it could be and how things would be like in such an afterlife. And what if I am completely wrong?

That truly does excite me...
I'll end with the worst possible result I can think of...
Completely ceasing to exist. In such a scenario I wouldn't exist and would therefore not give a damn anyways.
Either way my curiosity is sated which to me is a win-win.

[Alucard]

The way I see it is that death is a release. The reason that most people fear death is because we're afraid of leaving our loved ones, you know them dyeing too and facing the reality that... we'll never see them in this life again. Or maybe we died before wwe could sy I love you to our spouses or relatives.
Death is a complicated concept. One that tears us up inside. No one knows how to deal with the death of a loved on and if they can then they need a heart.
It tore me apart to lose two of my relatives in one year, and its the absence of fulfilling old family traditions, or seeing them smile that kills me.

[SapphirePR]

I think many people fear death because we don't know what happens after you die. If you no longer exist in any sense, that's kind of frightening. I do hope there is such a thing as Heaven though .

[chaosweapon]

I think it's because nobody really knows what happens after we die. There are lots of people who believe in heaven and in hell but there is no way to prove that they really exist. At least belief reduces that fear, but there is always a bit of uncertainty.

I believe that there are people who do not fear death, especially those who feel that they have nothing to lose. I think that people who commit suicide feel that death is better than continuing to live.

[Elyon Seraphim]

Hmm... good question... i don't know at all sorry...

[iLinki]

People fear death, because as everyone stated before, they don't know what's going to happen afterward. Is there heaven and hell? will I be re-incarnated,? Will I just sit in a box in the ground and rot until I return to the dirt of the Earth? What if I've been doind the wrong thing and I end up somewhere bad?
That's why some people believe in an afterlife, that they'll see everyone again and they can be happy for all eternity. But if there is an afterlife, why not just skip to that part?
I guess it's that doubt deep down inside that tells us, make most of what you have now.
Also people are afraid of losing the ones they love and never seeing them again, or maybe of being forgotten.
I personally don't believe in an afterlife.

[silence1214]

people frear what they don't undersatnd that is a basic instinct we have. instead of understanding it we either fear it or destroy it. people fear death cause they fear the unknown. they fear what comes after death if anything does. WE fear what is yet to come we fear the inevitable. We fear what we can not see or pevent. thats why people are afraid of death their afraid of what they can't stop so there fore they fear it.