I fear nothingness

[Raithie]

Do you fear death? Why, why not?

My position is yes: I fear nothingness.

This is probably directed at atheists in particular, but I'm interested in all responses.

I get that in death, you're no longer conscious and thus you cannot fear it once you have passed (unless you believe in an afterlife of some sort...). But, now that I am alive - I want to continue on living, and I find ceasing to be quite a terrifying thought. The link above explains my stance more thoroughly, so please don't just quote Mark Twain or Isaac Asimov.

[sandandfoam]

Have you read Viktor Frankl at all?
I imagine there's comfort to be found in his words for an atheist afraid of death.

[Madhuri]

The idea of nothingness does indeed frighten me. It seems so unnatural.

[HonestJoe]

I'm not sure "fear" is the right word, at least not what was described in the article (with impressive eloquence for a sixteen year old - if only some "more mature" atheists gave these topics half as much thought).

This is really just part of the process of working through acceptance of the nature of the universe (regardless of what you believe that might be). This seems to be past any initial irrational fear and in to the rationalisation of where we are and developing the ability to get on with day to day life despite it rather than rocking in the corner hugging your knees.

[BruceDLimber]

Then you have no problem and nothing to fear because the Next Life is quite the opposite of "nothingness!"

Bruce

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by Raithie

I get that in death, you're no longer conscious and thus you cannot fear it once you have passed (unless you believe in an afterlife of some sort...). But, now that I am alive - I want to continue on living, and I find ceasing to be quite a terrifying thought. The link above explains my stance more thoroughly, so please don't just quote Mark Twain or Isaac Asimov.

Good writing on that blog.

If you think ceasing to be at death, the end of idea and thought, observing precious life, appreciation of beauty, sounds, sights, love, joy, is terrifying, try existential angst. It's the realization that you don't even have to wait until death for the end.

[logician]

Originally Posted by Raithie

Do you fear death? Why, why not?

My position is yes: I fear nothingness.

This is probably directed at atheists in particular, but I'm interested in all responses.

I get that in death, you're no longer conscious and thus you cannot fear it once you have passed (unless you believe in an afterlife of some sort...). But, now that I am alive - I want to continue on living, and I find ceasing to be quite a terrifying thought. The link above explains my stance more thoroughly, so please don't just quote Mark Twain or Isaac Asimov.

As an atheist, of course there is the fear of nonexistence, but eternal existence could be something much more to be feared.

[YmirGF]

Isn't fearing the unknown somewhat irrational?

[AxisMundi]

Originally Posted by Raithie

Do you fear death? Why, why not?

My position is yes: I fear nothingness.

This is probably directed at atheists in particular, but I'm interested in all responses.

I get that in death, you're no longer conscious and thus you cannot fear it once you have passed (unless you believe in an afterlife of some sort...). But, now that I am alive - I want to continue on living, and I find ceasing to be quite a terrifying thought. The link above explains my stance more thoroughly, so please don't just quote Mark Twain or Isaac Asimov.

Why dwell on the here-after like a theist if you're an atheist?

A life time is a long time, enjoy it fully and thoroughly.

Plenty enough time to worry when you're laying in your death bed.

[Eliot Wild]

I fear marsupials . . . 'cause their fast.