Why humans fear death?

Death is a topic that humans have contemplated for centuries. It’s inevitable, yet it strikes fear in the hearts of many. But why do we, as humans, fear death? Is there something wrong with us? Are we all just secretly scaredy-cats who can’t handle the reality of our own mortality? Well, fear not (pun intended), because I’m here to explore this question and give you some answers…hopefully.

The Final Farewell

The idea of leaving everything behind can be daunting even if you’ve never thought about an afterlife or don’t believe in one at all. As humans who are self-aware and sentient beings; it’s normal to consider what happens when life ends.

“Do we go somewhere?”

“Do we become ghosts like Casper?”

“Is there reincarnation waiting on the other side?”

These questions nag at us until they spiral out into full-blown anxiety.

Leaving everything Unfinished

Humans are creatures of habit–we like routine and predictability. We’re happiest when things follow a pattern or plan. Unfortunately though;when our lives come to an end abruptly or without warning lots remain undone.

When death comes suddenly/without any notice whatsoever:
– You may miss telling your loved ones how much they mean to you
– Plans/hopes/dreams/goals including unfinished business will get left unattended (sometimes for generations)
– Most importantly,you’ll leave questions unanswered causing confusion & uncertainty for those whom you leave behind .

It makes sense then why most people(/are scared) feel apprehensive about meeting their maker too soon before getting a chance (/of leaving nothing incomplete).

Our Evolutionary Inheritance

We might think that being afraid of death is uniquely human but animals experience stress everyday & experiencing anything stressful/death-related gets stored genetically(especially among mammals). According to Dr. Elie Dolgin, a science journalist for Knowable Magazine :

“We inherit the fear of death from our ancestors who needed to take precautions against things that could kill them–like predators.”

Well then! looks like we have a lot more in common with animals than we care to admit.

Our Expiration Dates

Sadly, as humans seeing and experiencing loss is an inevitable part of life. We know that no one can live forever but every encounter with it knocks us out emotionally giving anxiety and depression which eventually shake us up till the core.

Apart from feeling down/bummed at loved ones passing away; there’s another reason why are we scared for approaching death: not knowing when EXACTLY will it happen!

While none knows his/her expiration date(/until medical predicament takes over), just imagining the end becomes unsettling.

Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO)

FOMO isn’t just limited on social events anymore; now you can feel nervous about missing anything once (/you’re dead!)

As German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer said :

“The two enemies of human happiness are pain and boredom.”

It’s understandable that people would be afraid of what comes next because they don’t want whatever good times might await if(/they miss out) by being gone too soon.

## The Great Unknown

Here lies the biggest rub- NO ONE KNOWS WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER DEATH. As much as anyone tries explaining/imagining something after-life related, then its impossible(no exceptions).

Its pretty humbling experience where humanity has absolutely zero control giving shivers down everyone’s spine (/around this uncertainty).

Cultural Influences

Culturally defined norms impact our attitude towards how dying/death is perceived – sometimes showing death as liberating (especially when someone was old & had faced lots), whereas sometimes representatively painful(when sudden or among younger people).

Such images/videos go viral fast because they establish a powerful emotional connect that leave an unforgettable impact on us all.

Most commonly, those who grow up hearing tales of heaven or hell cling to the idea that their soul claims an everlasting life and never dying makes more sense which also lines with many cultural attitudes surrounding after-life beliefs.

Similarly, other cultures hold varying beliefs in Reincarnation but one thing remains consistent- when we can’t explain what happens next for sure; it gives us chills down our spine.!!

Disease & Accidents

It’s natural to despise(/resent) any unpredictable changes ; but envisioning such deadly/dramatic outcomes leaving your loved ones behind is something not pleasant at all.

Dwelling upon negative news articles /reports showcasing sudden deaths resulting from disease or fatal accidents could make you (/hopelessly feel like there’s nothing one can do). We as individuals tend to steer conversation topics away from discussions about death,

Although avoiding the topic won’t help anyone come into terms with reality…taking small steps including preparing for worse situations helps sharpen our wits & ensure peaceful closure if anything does happen.

After much research & analysis (haha..just kidding I totally made this up),the answer isn’t so simple . Humans’ innate curiosity coupled with anxiety and fear seems absolutely logical-enough reasons why humans are generally scared of meeting their maker too soon before getting a chance of doing everything they ever wanted to.

Our cultural inheritance, genetic makeup inherited via ancestors seem effective contributors breeding nervousness among people around death-related things. Nonetheless,discussing these tough conversations together and understanding different perspectives paves wayfor gradual acceptability/understanding towards connecting them better.(lol)

Fun fact: Everyone wants immortality deep-down inside 🙂

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