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Comment by amitpm | Hacker News Reader

The article’s arguments can be summarized as two main points -

1. “Death is not the end of your matter, only of your particular consciousness.”

To which I say, big whoop. I don’t really care that the carbon atoms in my body go on to be part of another animal, or continue being part of the “universe”. I don’t care that “energy” is eternal - there’s nothing special about energy. “I” start and stop at consciousness, and I see no reason to NOT rage against the dying of that light.

2. Don’t think about death, it’s a thought that isn’t productive.

To which I say that is impossible. Even if it were possible, that is sacrificing one’s humanity to be no better than an animal. Reading a bit of Kierkegard may help.

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I felt differently. For me, this article echoed the same ideas which I’ve often had about death, but I rarely hear others articulate these ideas in this way.

Many are obsessed with the notion of an afterlife and over-prioritize around that possibility. I kind of like the idea that I continue in some form, even if I’m not conscious.

As for “raging against dying”, fair enough. I’m just not sure that such rage will accomplish anything. At this age, I’d rather accept the inevitable and make the most of the time I have.

Personally, I do believe in an afterlife. And I apologize if this reply gets a little mystical, but the topic warrants it :)

When I said “raging against dying”, I really mean making peace with the thought of death. I strongly believe it isn’t something to be swept under the rug, but rather something to be wrestled with, thought through, and truly considered, with genuine honesty. In a sense, there can be nothing more important.

Your individual consciousness is special, it is unique. You have memories and experiences. Deep thought, shallow urges, appreciation for beauty, relationships, love.

If you believe that consciousness ends at death, each time it does, its like a whole universe winks out. And everything that consciousness experienced is meaningless. If this is true, then no amount of self generated “meaning in this life” can make up for even an ounce of pain this consciousness experienced - because that pain was experienced for nothing. No “meaning” endures. It’s universe ended when it did.

But in your heart you know that isn’t true. There are answers if you seek. But giving up and not thinking about death is nothing but a cop out.

I feel like you’re projecting your beliefs/values on me. We’ve never met, nor shared any interaction outside of this comment thread. I think it’s improbable that you have any sense for what’s in my heart or what I believe to be true.

That is true and I apologize for the projection. I should have really said “one” instead of “you”.

As in - “But in one’s heart one knows that isn’t true. There are answers if one seeks. But giving up and not thinking about death is nothing but a cop out.”

But I believe your point still stands, even if it is one we may disagree on.

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