Last week, Snowbrush put up a post asking whether atheists were more rational. I suspect that is a how long is a piece of string question and depends on the individual and the question. As is usual with Snow's posts there was a lot to consider, though this time it was a comment he made which has me still thinking about the post days later. Snow is bothered by the prospect of what he describes as 'eternal non-existence', and said that if someone was to offer him a pill which would enable him to live forever he would take it.
I am comfortable with the prospect of a finite life. Very comfortable. And now I am wondering why, and whether Snow's attitude or mine is more common.
I should add that I am a certainly an agnostic in that I don't know that whether or not there is a god, and that I also have strong leanings towards the atheist end of the spectrum. I don't believe in an after life (whatever it is called), but accept I could be wrong. If so, it will be the last mistake I make. So, like Snowbrush, at the end of my life I expect 'eternal non-existence'.
Along with the magic pill, I assume that we can say that our minds and bodies will not deteriorate. Just the same, eternity has no appeal for me. I am not entirely sure why not. I certainly wouldn't get bored - there is always something new to learn and see. A feeling of fair play, that I have had my chance? Or a reflection that I already think there are (more than) enough people in the world?
I don't want to live for ever at all, and given my druthers will fade out with an eco funeral (no coffin or headstone). I like to think that I will feed a tree, which will shelter birds and insects, and if I am lucky animals.
How about you? Would you want to live forever? And do you know why? If you could live forever, how would you spend your time?
I am comfortable with the prospect of a finite life. Very comfortable. And now I am wondering why, and whether Snow's attitude or mine is more common.
I should add that I am a certainly an agnostic in that I don't know that whether or not there is a god, and that I also have strong leanings towards the atheist end of the spectrum. I don't believe in an after life (whatever it is called), but accept I could be wrong. If so, it will be the last mistake I make. So, like Snowbrush, at the end of my life I expect 'eternal non-existence'.
Along with the magic pill, I assume that we can say that our minds and bodies will not deteriorate. Just the same, eternity has no appeal for me. I am not entirely sure why not. I certainly wouldn't get bored - there is always something new to learn and see. A feeling of fair play, that I have had my chance? Or a reflection that I already think there are (more than) enough people in the world?
I don't want to live for ever at all, and given my druthers will fade out with an eco funeral (no coffin or headstone). I like to think that I will feed a tree, which will shelter birds and insects, and if I am lucky animals.
How about you? Would you want to live forever? And do you know why? If you could live forever, how would you spend your time?
