Can We Talk About Death?

Commentary

The human mind is aware of its own mortality, and that can be daunting. We often try to cope with this fear by projecting it onto politics. Believing that the world is in decline serves as a distraction from facing our own mortality. It’s easier to focus on the perceived downfall of society than to confront the inevitable decline of our own lives.

Society praises those who worry about global issues, but individuals who express concern about their personal mortality are often viewed as selfish or weak. This societal attitude further encourages people to shift their focus to the world’s supposed decline rather than their own mortality.

However, this tendency to project our fear of death onto political issues only exacerbates the problem. It infuses politics with the same anxiety we feel about our mortality. Every political decision becomes a matter of life and death in our minds, clouding our ability to engage in productive civic discourse.

In earlier times, death was a more familiar presence as people often passed away at home. The uncertainty of modern medical diagnoses has heightened our fear of death, leading us to avoid facing it directly.

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A book titled “Land of the Dead: How the West Changed Death in America” sheds light on the high mortality rate among gold rush settlers in California. The dangers they faced and the lack of proper burial practices highlight the stark contrast to our current anxieties over minor risks.

Understanding how our brain processes fear can help us cope with our mortality. Humans possess a cortex that allows for abstract thinking, unlike animals, who live in the present moment. Our ability to generate imaginary threats in our minds triggers a constant state of anxiety, as our brain releases stress hormones in response.

While modern society emphasizes prevention, it cannot eliminate the underlying fear of death. Constantly trying to control time and maximize productivity only adds to our stress levels. Accepting our mortality rather than avoiding it is ultimately the key to finding peace.

It may be challenging to confront our mortality when the prevailing narrative blames politics for societal woes. However, accepting that life will go on after we’re gone can bring a sense of calm amidst the chaos.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.