Philosophy on death

[Shaun @ Tru6]

There are many different philosophies on death ranging from what it is, a finality vs a transition, does it and how it affects how you live your life and everything in between. Juxtapose to death itself is should death ever be welcomed, or a relief, not something to mourn, not celebrate, but to consider it the best option at the time. And with that, should the plug be pulled?

Years ago my brother and sister and I joined my grandfather and mom at my grandmother's bedside for her life support to be removed. It was the right thing to do then. It was also perhaps the most horrible thing I had witnessed up until that time, and to today. I will never forget it and any time I remember, I have to quickly go to the memory of her and I working together on a 3rd grade homework assignment on homonyms at the kitchen table late at night. Both are crystal clear in my head as though they happened yesterday.

My brother passed away a week ago. He was a good guy but had a lot of demons in life as an alcoholic and always seemed to fall in with the wrong people who would take advantage of his kindness, generosity and good demeanor. I never understood that; he never listened to counsel about his "friends." He was admitted to the hospital 3 weeks ago and immediately put on life support diagnosed with failing liver and both kidneys. I prayed for him knowing the end was near. It was peaceful.

As I reflect on our life together, he as a little boy who without a doubt had real ADHD long before it was a thing that became a fad, that my dad tried to beat out of him, in many ways casting the die for the rest of his life to his life, the one I knew as an adult which could be a roller coaster at times. But always trying with a good heart. And always being sucked back in with the wrong people.

After some time contemplating this, I honestly believe he is in a much better place and while I will miss him, I am genuinely happy for him to get some relief, to rest and per my own philosophy, be reborn as something, anything, new and pure and able to take on a new life, hopefully armed at least a little better than what he had in this life.


I don't welcome death but believe it is a new adventure for the singular reason being the concepts of love and a soul are unique to being human. And like the conservation of mass and energy in physics, the soul must also be. In that way, I am not ready for death and plan on a long life. But I am very curious about what's next.

What is your philosophy on death?

[pavulon]

Sorry for your loss. Losing family cuts to the core for most.

Lots of near death experience reports but nobody can know what finally awaits us all.

[Danimal16]

You have a PM, my friend.

[Bugsinrugs]

Sometimes life can be so painfull that one welcomes death. When my mother passed away it was a relief. She suffered from severe Parkinson’s and pretty much became a vegetable. A peaceful death is all we can hope for. Sorry about your brother.

[Evans, Marv]

Sorry to hear about your brother's passing, Shaun. It's comforting to think he's probably in a better place now. My own idea is fairly organic - that we ultimately return to what makes up the composition of earth. There are a number of us on this board close enough to be thinking about our expiration dates. Whatever manner of belief that gives a sense of peace is an individual thing.

[Zeke]

It is so complex and enigmatic that I don't listen to anyone who pretends to know. I understand pain. I think I understand there would be no pain after death. That's all I have.

All I fear is painful death, but then why? Prolonged pain would be worse.

Nope, I don't have a read on this.

[id10t]

may his memory be a blessing

[Scott Douglas]

Sorry to hear about your brother, Shaun. It sounds like he's in a much better place.

Just this afternoon my brother texted me about a guy he went to school with in high school who passed away recently from cancer.
My brother figures he's died @5 times but has managed to beat death each time.
I don't know what I'll do when he finally doesn't have the strength/will power/whatever it takes to beat it the next time he's faced with it. He's on Facebook so is catching up with a lot of old friends. I'm only on Pelican so don't get all that info about friends I never really had to begin with.
For myself, I knew what was happening when I had my heart attacks. I guess the fact I really wanted to meet my twin grandsons that were due to be born the next year kept me going.
Five years on now and we're having good times with RC cars, trains and soccer balls. I'm glad I made it thru the ordeal of bypass surgery.
Looking ahead to my own death, it's kind of inevitable that it'll happen someday. As my brother said today, it's trending.
I just hope it's quick and painless when it does happen.

[flatbutt]

My condolences Shaun.

My philosophy is simple...I am not afraid of dying. I'm more afraid of not living.

[greglepore]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

My condolences Shaun.

My philosophy is simple...I am not afraid of dying. I'm more afraid of not living.

I'm less afraid of dying than I am of growing old-Ben Harper

I sorta get that. I watched my dad live the last years of his life essentially a prisoner in a very nice "assisted living" place. He had good humor about it, but I dunno.

Shaun, I'm glad you're at peace with the deal. I had fam similarly situated, and rest was probably good, although I'm careful not to project my assessment into their mind.

The more I listen to Zeke, the more I think he gets it.

[gregpark]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

My condolences Shaun.

My philosophy is simple...I am not afraid of dying. I'm more afraid of not living.

TY, the right philosophy. The only way to look at life if you want to make use of it

[pwd72s]

I'm ready, but I just don't want to be there when it happens...

[Superman]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

It was the right thing to do then. It was also perhaps the most horrible thing I had witnessed up until that time, and to today.

I was in the room when my FIL (Lois's dad) did the assisted suicide thing. It was the right thing for him (even I think this), but it was also obscene to me and it remains a disturbing memory. I haven't finished sorting that out. But I do believe it is okay to end it, if the pain is not worth the experience. Lois knows my feeling on this. If I can lie without undue pain and watch a leaf flutter in the wind outside my window, I will be content and still happy.

My brother passed away a week ago.

Thank you for telling. We all have imperfections in our family lives and in our own lives. It is good when we say.

I don't welcome death but believe it is a new adventure .....

I am Christian and believe we remain in some form after life. But that does not affect my life (much). I am a Good person (I think) because it feels like this is imprinted on my soul. Not because it scores any points.

And even that might not matter because I am doing the best I can with the life I have. It has been a BLAST and a WILD ride! This place is excruciatingly beautiful and I will not want to leave it. But don't cry for me. I'm pretty sure I will feel satisfied and grateful on that bed of my death (if it comes to that). If this is all there is, it is enough for me. As I type, I am filling my lungs with air. I see colors. Beautiful colors. Smells. I've had a life that has been a sensory kaleidoscope. I know there is a God and I see this as a gift. And I can't fullyexpress my gratitude.

Does that answer your question Shaun?

[Por_sha911]

After this mortal world there is an eternity of Heaven or Hell.
I cannot say any more about that without moving this to PARF.

Condolences on your brother passing.

[MBAtarga]

Shaun - sorry to hear of your brother's passing.

There is a high school homecoming for the class of 78, 79 and 80 in the fall. Wife and I are in our mid 60's - and were in the class of 80 (same school.) Someone posted a list of the people that were known to have passed already. I couldn't believe the number of people on that list - our school was not small, but that list was long! And I don't consider mid 60's as being OLD enough to have died, but that is reality. And then I realized quickly as I already know, we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

[A930Rocket]

Shaun, I’m sorry to hear about your brother. I hope he’s in a better place, and no longer suffering.

I’m afraid of getting old and dying, but I know it’s happening sooner every day. I’ve told Ms. Rocket and the kids, I do not want to be a babbling idiot confined to a wheelchair or bed. I want to go out on my terms and early enough. How that’s accomplished, I’m not sure.

[JavaBrewer]

https://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/970794-end-life-reality.html#post9742645

Years now later I am getting older and less able. Death is what we all will face. I am only afraid of being a burden on my family should my path be prolonged. I am seeking options for the next 10 years to make sure that does not happen to them.

[LWJ]

Shaun,
I am so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. It makes me happy to hear that you are mostly ok with things surrounding this and your brother's eternal peace.

I was just reading Joseph Campbell. He says that the meaning of life is to experience the "rapture of being alive". He taught that we shouldn't seek a universal meaning for life, but instead bring our own meaning to it through personal choices, authenticity, and actively following our bliss.

I haven't yet processed exactly what Mr. Campbell was saying, but I think I like it.

[rfuerst911sc]

Shaun so sorry for your brother may he rest in peace . Death is a finish line we all cross . I try to live every day the best I can .

[oldE]

Originally Posted by LWJ

Joseph Campbell. He says that the meaning of life is to experience the "rapture of being alive". He taught that we shouldn't seek a universal meaning for life, but instead bring our own meaning to it through personal choices, authenticity, and actively following our bliss.

There seem to be almost as many beliefs as people.
This however resonates with me. You can't change people or the world. They have to change themselves. But perhaps you can provide an example.

As I have mentioned in other threads, my MIL is in care. Her body has given up and she is now in palliative care. We have had a few conversations about the end of this life. She is so ready. I remember when my father was at this point in his thinking. Perhaps the reason the above quote strikes a chord with me is it would seem to be written about these important people in my life.
One of my sisters is very spiritual, but not in the sense of organized religion. Her belief is that our spirit inhabits our body in order to gain experience and grow, or to help someone else through their growth.
Maybe one day.