death
Afterlife thoughts can be a way of coping for people who, for one reason or another, feel they cannot enjoy life, but yet must still stay alive. Regardless of reality people do warp their own perspectives to cope, and have to realise, and accept reality, but can only do it as they gain security in their ability to handle a godless life. There shouldn't need to be problems coping in the first place though, but since there are, I wonder if it's almost a good thing that people can shelter from reality, especially if existence is so limited.
If this is it, then I guess only the present can matter, but even that doesn't need to matter, since present becomes past anyway, so even if I didn't enjoy life it wouldn't matter because I couldn't reflect on it - I might as well enjoy it if I can, but I think not at the expense of any impact I can make at making it more easily enjoyable for the next generation - as they are the ones who it matters most to - with all those years of life.
I find some peace in the idea it'd cease to matter... and also that I might not have to burden eternity - because... would you want to? - perhaps, if you can eliminate any feelings like boredom, so that it can be enjoyed, but while still having enjoyable things. Anyway it is good that you encourage people to live their lives to the full
Be sure also that you can accept the eventual end of life, and all the good things about it
If this is it, then I guess only the present can matter, but even that doesn't need to matter, since present becomes past anyway, so even if I didn't enjoy life it wouldn't matter because I couldn't reflect on it - I might as well enjoy it if I can, but I think not at the expense of any impact I can make at making it more easily enjoyable for the next generation - as they are the ones who it matters most to - with all those years of life.
I find some peace in the idea it'd cease to matter... and also that I might not have to burden eternity - because... would you want to? - perhaps, if you can eliminate any feelings like boredom, so that it can be enjoyed, but while still having enjoyable things. Anyway it is good that you encourage people to live their lives to the full
Be sure also that you can accept the eventual end of life, and all the good things about it 
I agree -- belief in an afterlife is sentimental in nature, maybe even maudlin.
However, instead of carpe diem, I find that a philosophy of doing what's right to be better. Although the post above skewers reincarnation instead of "Heaven," I do like the Buddhist concept "right livelihood."
My challenge to you is this. For the next week think about your life as being from now till the day you die and nothing beyond that point.Too late -- I've been doing this since becoming an atheist in 1996!
However, instead of carpe diem, I find that a philosophy of doing what's right to be better. Although the post above skewers reincarnation instead of "Heaven," I do like the Buddhist concept "right livelihood."
I find it interesting mans fear of fear of dying. I think it is in some cases a fear of living. Living in the now and embracing what the day holds ,whatever it is.
Even I think it would be nice to have another life after this one but I don't count on it.It's funny what be a "free thinker" will do isn't it? It actually seems to take the fear of the unknown away.
You know heaven is actually another form of "reincarnation". You get a new life and anew body...sounds like reincarnation to me!
Even I think it would be nice to have another life after this one but I don't count on it.It's funny what be a "free thinker" will do isn't it? It actually seems to take the fear of the unknown away.
You know heaven is actually another form of "reincarnation". You get a new life and anew body...sounds like reincarnation to me!
And belief without evidence has no necessary bearing on reality anyway... I consider afterlife to be a 50:50 possibility, I just don't know - so I can't really reach a conclusion till I know more!
You know, I'm ok with dying. My body has been donated to science ( that seems to be a thing we freethinkers do) and it's a natural process. I've lived my life fully so I'm at peace. Most everything I've wanted to do I have done. (I want to share some of my adventures here one day). I think there's peace in the thought of eternal rest.
And hey, if I happen to wake up o n the other side...I love surprises!
And hey, if I happen to wake up o n the other side...I love surprises!
Can't we just be happy with what we're given even if this is just it?
For some life is just to short or to hard...they feel the only just thing the universe can dish out it a "do over" .Unfortunately, when people believe there is a "do over" they don't try as hard.
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