Why is it that we fear death?

Why is it that we fear death?

Death is the one thing that is certain in our lives. If we were born, then we know we will die. It is the one thing all life has in common. We seem to have this mentality that it won’t happen to us, at least not for a while. But it’s going to happen to everyone. I understand why we grieve the loss of a loved one as we will miss them and it is sad that they cannot continue on their journey with us anymore. However, why is it our instinct to be so sad and afraid of thing so common? Every single person is going to die, but only some will get cancer or get robbed. As a race, though, we see a disease or a crime as much less frightening than a death.

I think we fear death because of the uncertainty of what comes next. No one living on Earth knows what happens next. Humans fear the unknown. I, however, am more curious than afraid. The biggest mystery of life is death. Life is a beautiful thing and of course I want to stay here as long as possible, but I cannot wait to find out what is next. Religions have told us various theories of what is next, but they are all just theories; nothing is certain. The feeling you get when trying something new for the first time, is what I associate with death. You have many expectations in your head from stories or your own imagination, but you never truly understand until you’ve done it yourself. The crazy part about death is that every single person is new to it, and no one can tell you what to expect. It is the one thing that no one knows. We are all guessing and wondering together. I’m surprised it isn’t something we as humans discuss the possibilities of on a daily basis.

So next time you are grieving the loss of loved one, remember that at least now they know the answer to the biggest mystery of life.