NTHE Question #10

Have you actually accepted the fact that you will die at all?

I think westerners have been raised to feel that death is a personal failure.  A shameful lapse in judgment or discipline or effort, something that could be staved off at least 100 years if not indefinitely if only we are good enough.  Death becomes the terrifying (and embarrassing) punishment for not living properly, and we build unbelievable walls around ourselves to protect against the idea that it is inevitable.

I’d rather not die in pain or fear, but I think I’ve come to peaceful terms with the idea that I will die.  Embracing the data behind STHE means coming to peaceful terms with the idea that I will die somewhat sooner than I might otherwise.  Paradoxically, it is the people who won’t accept death who will make the struggle for (my) comfort, setting up emergency measures, and shelters and rationed supplies and makeshift economies in their struggle for order and control to the last minute.  With any luck, the one thing they won’t be that concerned about is keeping me alive when my own body says enough.  Crazy, but thank you.