Conversations with religious people seem tend to bring up the comfort of not knowing. People have been taught about the “wonder” of God for years and seem unwilling to consider letting these ideas. Others are frightened by the idea of a limited life span and become angry when it is suggested there is no afterlife. I can relate to this in some respects, take the concept of love for instance.
I want to believe it is a truly magical thing that happens between people and it is all good. But that’s not how it really is. In the end it solely comes down to chemicals and evolution. I guess it kind of revolves around that Carl Sagan quote
“For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.”
Sure it feels good to lie to yourself and say you will live forever. But is this a good tactic? Personally I’d rather accept the cold, hard truth of a happy little lie. I accept that one day I will die and be buried. That’s it. Game over. Yet, this gives me inspiration. I know I only have one chance to live and that each day is especially important to not squander. I’m not working for the afterlife, I’m working to improve this current life. I’m reminded of an Einstein quote I like:
“Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death”.
Think critically and enjoy every moment of life you get. Trust those who seek the truth and question those who appear to know it.
