Death

[WavesSootheMe]

This topic may be a bit morbid, but in the past I've found my views on it to be quite misunderstood by others. I'm curious as to how everyone here sees things.

Dying is inevitable. How do you view it? Do you accept it or fear it? If you could live forever, would you want to? Would you want to know the exact date of your death? Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends? How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?

This is really just about hearing everyone's perspective. I'd prefer if it didn't become some sort of debate. No right or wrong answers :). It can be a sensitive topic, so feel free to pick and choose which questions you answer.

[Headstrong]

How do you view it?
Death is a part of life. We all have to die sometime.

Do you accept it or fear it?
I used to fear it. Now that I have a stronger relationship with God, I have no reason to be afraid.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Nope.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Nope.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I don't have a list, persay. I know what I want to accomplish, but if I don't get the chance, that's fine. I'm living life the way I want to right now and that's all that matters, personally.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I haven't yet. It will be hard, but I'll manage.

[logan235711]

How do you view it?
Umm...I'll die someday? So if inevitable then why waste time thinking about it?

Do you accept it or fear it?
I accept it. But what does that mean? Never feared it.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
I can't say until I'm in the process of doing it or have done it :p It seems pretty hard to pre-judge the full extent of anything until one has any experience in it : )

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Originally I was thinking, 'sure, why not : )' but then I was thinking 'Yes!' Because if you did know then that might be proof of the long-argued question of fate :D If that were the case then maybe I would have the first large foundation to base anything on! But then I can't know whether it is true until that date comes so by then I will be dead and can no longer write about it : ( So either way it seems to round back to 'sure, why not : )'

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
Not a list, just living life as it comes. Seems a bit silly to have a list when you are constantly changing thus so should/might that list. No need to be inflexible :p

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
All depends on who, until that comes its all up in the air!

[SolitaryWalker]

This topic may be a bit morbid, but in the past I've found my views on it to be quite misunderstood by others. I'm curious as to how everyone here sees things.

Dying is inevitable. How do you view it? Do you accept it or fear it? If you could live forever, would you want to? Would you want to know the exact date of your death? Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends? How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?

This is really just about hearing everyone's perspective. I'd prefer if it didn't become some sort of debate. No right or wrong answers :). It can be a sensitive topic, so feel free to pick and choose which questions you answer.


INTJs as radically Intuitive types are intensely focused on the future. As introverted perceivers, they assess the environment in terms of how it relates to them. (Unlike extroverted perceivers (Ne/Se), who take the environment for granted and think of it in terms of how they relate to it.) Tend to be security conscious, or think of how they must deal with the environment in order ot maintain their soundness. Unlike EPs who tend to be rather playful with the external world. INTJs, as Extroverted Judgers also have a need to be in control over their external affairs.

Hence, the intense focus on the future and concern with how they will handle themselves (security concern), as well as the need to be in control will very likely induce them to learn as much as possible about their possible scenario of death and do whatever they need to do in order to maximize the chances of coming away with most desirable results possible.

[TruorTupnm]

1. I view death as, "Oh. Well, dang." I don't worry about it overly much. I suppose that I take reasonable steps to prevent it from happening any time soon. I am a bit miffed at our scientists, though. Come on. When are we going to have this death problem fixed?

2. I shall most probably accept it, when the time comes. I won't have much of a choice, and saying, "No! Why now?" seems like a pretty pathetic way to go. *sniffs at the thought of so many evil masterminds of fiction going that way* I would most probably fear it if it seemed to be coming at me with nasty big pointy teeth or something, though.

3. Exactly as the logan235711 person wrote, I thought, "Sure, why not?" first, then that I am not sure how much fun it would be. Okay. I am suddenly granted immortality. I don't feel any different. I still have to deal with humans and go to work and pay bills and all of that. Eventually, humans will note that I do not age. I could deal with it by realizing my dream of becoming a hermit or just moving away and changing my name and all of that. Most probably, I would be found out, though. From there, I go straight to the horrible lab where people attempt to reverse engineer me. Sure, Yay for the species, but dang for myself. That would only happen if I am the type of immortal that doesn't age. If I am the type that does age, I shall most probably wish for death around the time that a comfortable amount of bodily functions are no longer under my control, and I realize that it will only get worse. That would only happen if I don't go crazy senile, at some point. Either way, I will end up in the horrible lab for reverse engineering. I shall hope for being senile. Hm. Wait. In all of these scenarios, I end up in a horrible lab. Ah. I shall hope for the first kind of immortality as well as amazing dodging abilities. Otherwise, no immortality for me, I thank you.

4. Eh. Not especially. Such information does not seem useful. When you obtain it, you would attempt to avoid it and end up causing it, if some fiction is to be believed. I guess that it could be fun to run around uttering, "Dude, I am totally going to die on the seventh of June, in two thousand as well as fifty-one!" Most wouldn't believe you, but you'd show them!

5. Nope, to both options. I don't have a list, but I'm sure that I have a few decent expectations. I doubt that I will be entirely fulfilled, no matter what, though. I'll end up with a (as was mentioned before), "Oh. Well, dang." feeling.

6. By way of an, "Oh. Well, dang." Also, hoarding all of their best stuff and acting innocent when someone asks about it. Mayhaps thinking of them as I eat their favorite food? I have had a few cool people that I knew die. They were the sort who would have called me an idiot for needlessly sobbing, which is cool.

[Raven Queen]

How do you view it?
It's something that I'm unable to control, so I don't think too much on it.

Do you accept it or fear it?
Accept, I suppose. What good can come out of fearing death?

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Definitely. That's assuming my body would still be functional. I believe that this is the only life I'm going to have (no eternity in heaven or anything like that), so I would want it to last as long as possible.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
No. I hate deadlines. =P
I think it'll make me anxious about having completed everything that I want to do by then, and I hate that kind of pressure.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I do have a general idea of what I want to do in life and things I want to experience. I would like to have done some of the things that matter the most to me before I'm gone.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
Heh, this would require someone to be close to me in the first place...
But I think I'll be able to get through it, as long as there is another person I'm close to who'll be able to support me through. (Two of them?!)

[HarleyQuinn]

How do you view it?
If you don't want to die, you should never have been born :p

Do you accept it or fear it?
I totally accept it. That doesn't mean I'm looking forward to it anytime soon but if/when it does happen, I'll take the "had to happen sometime" outlook.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Yeah, just to see the changes in generations but it'd be tough because it wouldn't allow any close connections as you'd constantly lose out on others. If I wouldn't look the same (as in I'd age as well) than no. I can't imagine being bed ridden for the next 1,000 years :thumbsdown:

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Nah.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I have a list of things I'd like to do but know that realistically, I probably won't do most of them due to other factors. I've been somewhat happy with how my life's turned out and don't see that changing in the future.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
Any of my immediate family and I'll probably be an inconsolable wreck for 2-3 days to a week. Same can be said for some of my cousins/aunts. For most other people though, I probably wouldn't grieve.

[The Many]

How do you view it?

Life is one long struggle and death is the most ultimate of releases. Even what I enjoy in life is really in the end quite draining and tiring - not even to mention what I don't enjoy. But still, I do enjoy life for what it is until death comes (preferably some time from now, I may add - I still have things to enjoy and experience).

Do you accept it or fear it?

I accept it, but I don't want it at the moment, as stated above. I simply don't have the time to die; I've got more important things to do.

If you could live forever, would you want to?

Good question. I hate being bored, and I always get bored by repetition, so in the end living forever isn't perhaps that nice. But still, a couple of thousand years doesn't sound like a bad idea, and progress will probably keep on being made. So in the end, why not live forever?

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?

No. Definitely not. I don't want my entire life planned out as of yet, as it would have to end up.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?

I want to achieve things in my lifetime. Lots of things. I just haven't decided upon all of them yet.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?

To put it bluntly: When my grandmother died I felt a sting of pain in my heart that lasted approximately two seconds. Admittedly we weren't that close, but I don't think I would be particularly brought down if someone closer to me died. I am simply too used to loss (goes back to my early teens, but that is beside the point here) to be particularly affected. And I mean, when you can't even objectively prove that your existence is more than a brain in a vat, worrying about losses doesn't seem to have much of a point to it.

[GOD]

How do you view it?

I see people like capacitors. We are a form of stored energy.

We die obviously... but sometimes I see the "soul" in people (most likely the NF's) and think of them as almost like spirits passing through this world.

Do you accept it or fear it?

I just hope I die in my sleep. There's such terrible ways to exit.

If you could live forever, would you want to?

Yes. I see life as an absolute burden, but I could imagine what good could be done.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?

Ok, so long as it was not this side of 2050.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?

Once I'm dead it doesn't matter what wasn't achieved....

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?

It’s really hard. Especially when they know they are going to die...and you watch the descent. Infinite recollection of the conversations... it can haunt you.

So long as you rationalize it and be more angry about why their life was cut short rather than the actual death itself you'll handle it.

It makes you a better person I think... you can see how trivial material possessions really are.

[Rei]

How do you view it?
Well if you live, you will die. It's simply the end of life.

Do you accept it or fear it?
What is there to fear? Death is death, it is the end. I don't see what is so scary about ending. It'd just suck if I'd accomplished nothing before the end. And perhaps I'd worry about the people/things I leave behind the split second before death, but when I'm dead I can't worry.

Good and dead indeed :cheesy:

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Hell no...

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
That is debatable...

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
Not really a list, but I'd really like to have accomplished SOMETHING as well as travelled (most parts of) the world.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
No one close yet so I have no clue. I'd probably get on with it, and hope they're in peace even though I don't believe in heaven/afterlife per-say.

[WavesSootheMe]

How do you view it?
An inevitable event that helps to stave off extreme forms of procrastination :)

Do you accept it or fear it?
Accept. No fear at all. Even if it does turn out to be painful. I'm not a huge fan of pain in life, but if it's the end, what does it matter?

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Absolutely not. Death, like sleep, will be a well-deserved and much needed rest.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
No. I can see some advantages (again along the lines of staving off procrastination), but ultimately it's not going matter and would probably just cause me undue stress.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I have general guidelines for my future that I let present experience shape and form. I have no list of have-to-dos but plenty of while-I'm-around-I'd-like-tos. I could die tomorrow or a hundred years from now. Either way I really doubt my lasts thoughts will be "I wish I had...."

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I experienced the death of my grandfathers when I was under 10. I don't remember much of how these deaths affected me. I treasure my memory of them, but I had my time with them and I don't really feel sad that they're no longer around. I experienced the death of five friends (one an intimate friend, two close friends and three regular acquaintances) all within the summer between my sophomore and junior year of high school. These events affected me deeply and very much shaped the views of death that I hold today (I don't think I had thought much of it before then). I went through a sort of shock. I needed a lot of time alone. Later I was able to think through and make sense of what had happened so that I could move on.

[logan235711]

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?

Ok, so long as it was not this side of 2050.
What happens if you find out that you were supposed to die in 1950 :0

How about 1995?!

[rwyatt365]

How do you view it?
Death is what it is; an end to life. Nothing more, nothing less.

Do you accept it or fear it?
Sitting at my comfy office desk with no anticipation of death…I don't fear it. I've looked down the barrel of a loaded 45 and didn't crap my pants, so I guess that I wouldn't change that opinion when faced with death (again).

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Nope. Although I'm not religious, there is a quote from the Bible (paraphrased) that goes, "There is allotted to man a time…" I only wish to have my time, and then get out of the way.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Not sure about that one. Having a timeline (sort of like a bar on my own personal Gantt chart) would be interesting.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
NO LISTS! I hate lists, especially making a "To Do" list for my life. I'll do what I do and not concern myself with having "missed" something.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
Per the first question, death will be the final "event" of a lifetime. I will celebrate that person's life and move on with mine.

[cielo market]

How do you view it?
Literally? An expiration on physical existence.

Do you accept it or fear it?
I accept it and I also believe in an aftrerlife.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Nope. What would be a better option, however, would be coexistance between realms at will. Sweet.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Nah.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I have a list, but these are realistic possibilities that I wish to complete within a year. The path is what I make it, so yeah :)

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
Sadness of course, I confess I'm human. But it wouldn't last for very long, I'm sure. I'll cheris the memories I have of the person, and move on.

[binofhay]

I like this quote by Epicurus: "Death does not concern us, because as long as we exist, death is not here. And when it does come, we no longer exist."

[Thistle]

How do you view it?
An end to existence.

Do you accept it or fear it?
Accept it - it is the one certainty in life.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I have a list of things I want to achieve, which I review annually. This is not, however, linked with the existence of my life (or cessation of it) in any way.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
One of my parents died suddenly when I was in my teens. I did not, and have not since, shed a tear.

Generally, I'm quite detached and scientific in my views about this subject.

[Winden]

"Dying is inevitable. How do you view it?"

Easily the worst part of life.


"Do you accept it or fear it?"

I greatly fear the death of my loved ones. As for my own death... I'm not exactly afraid, but I still have many things to do before I quit, so sometimes I do worry that my time may come too soon.


"If you could live forever, would you want to?"

Certainly. Whenever I read about new fields of research, new theoretical models for describing the workings of the universe, new promising technologies, my heart bleeds at the thought that I'll never get to see and understand them.


"Would you want to know the exact date of your death?"

No thanks. It would be useful, but also detrimental to the quality of my life.


"Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?"

Yes, I have a list of to do's, among which getting married and having children stands out most prominently.


"How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?"

It's only happened once. I cried for months. It's been seven years now, but still my eyes begin to sting if I think about him long enough. I'm not good at coping with death.

[mrswentworth]

How do you view it?
Something really mysterious.

Do you accept it or fear it?
Kinda fear it. But I accept it at the same time. I can't defy science can I?

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Provided if my skin doesn't wrinkle and I'm still fit and healthy (which is biologically impossible). Or I would want to undergo Cyronics if that's real.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Sadly, yes. Then I can make time to what I really want to.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
Of course yes. I do want to make a list. But I don't know when.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I just stone. Cry. Be sad.

[HackerX]

How do you view it?
Unfortunately inevitable
Do you accept it or fear it?
I don't fear death. I fear the end of living, since it likely means the end of learning, end of experience
If you could live forever, would you want to?
Yes, absolutely
Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
I wouldn't care, though I wouldn't mind knowing, so I know how much more I can cram in.
Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I doubt I'll ever complete everything I want to do, I'm only here to do as much as I can
How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
It's one of those things that happens. Remember the memories.

[vkut79]

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How do you view it?

The ending - not something to think much about it until it comes.

Do you accept it or fear it?

Of course I fear it. Anyone who says they don't fear death are denying their human instinct. All humans fear death unless they are extremely depressed and suicidal and are in such a way sidetracked from their humanity.

At the same time, I accept it. The two are not incompatible. I fear death, but I accept that it will happen sometime, although I prefer to think that it will not happen soon enough for me to worry about at the present moment.

If you could live forever, would you want to?

Provided that life would continue to be interesting beyond limit (as in reality I doubt that it would), then yes I would. Realistically, life would probably become boring after a very, very long time, and at that point I would not mind dying.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?

No. Such knowledge would create a paranoia that would render the remainder of your life unpleasant.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?

I don't need a list, but I do have a general sense of what I want to accomplish.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?

Naturally I would experience great sadness, then after the feeling subsides I would move on.

[Mechanical Messiah]

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How do you view it?
Death looks like a simple thing to me. I've done some hunting and killed some farm critters, and from what I can see... when the brain stops working, the lights go out and that's that.

I've experienced tunnel-vision and nearly passed out a few times due to assorted injuries, and the experience isn't unlike involuntarily falling alseep. When a feller goes into shock, blood to the brain stops... and the lights go out- that's been my experience. I don't expect death to be much different. As far as I know, I wasn't aware of anything before I was born, and I don't expect to be after I'm dead.

Do you accept it or fear it?
I used to accept it... and I still do in a sense. Better people than me have died since the dawn of time- there's no reason why I should be an exception. As a matter of perspective, I try to keep in mind that I could die randomly at any time- I think this helps me to prioritize. I can honestly say that if I died tomorrow, I'm pretty damn happy with my life thusfar.

But I have this notion always in the back of my mind that death MIGHT not be inevitable. Technology is advancing at an exponential rate. Just look how much change happened in the 20th century- I expect to see much more in this century. With nanotechnoloy, manipulation of genetics (it's already been done in EXISTING organisms... not just new ones), and computer power that doubles every few years- who knows what life will be like in 50 years? Our biological lives might be extended to a couple hundred years or more. What if our brain could be scanned, and our minds effectively "copied" into a computer or a new brain (and body?!)?? Would we count as dead? Fun stuff to consider.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Not exactly. If I had my druthers... I'd want to live for as long as I choose to do so. That might be forever; might not.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
I find pertinent information impossible to resist. Hell yes I'd want to know.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
There are lots of things that I'd like to do... but I have finite time and abilities. So I have no problem with the fact that my list will never be completed. Hell, the longer I live, the more I expect the list to grow. Personally, I think that being interested and being happy are pretty much the same thing... so I'm happy to just be working on the list.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I really don't know. Nobody really close to me has died. I'd like to think that I could be appreciative of the time I've had with them, and move on. Not sure if I'd be able to do that, though.

[Meyer]

How do you view it?
Inevitable.

Do you accept it or fear it?
To me it will either be nothingness or something pretty cool. Either way there is nothing I can do about it.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Always entertained the vampire fantasy. Living forever and doing whatever you wanted.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
not at all

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends? Want to look back and be satisfied.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I haven't yet. It will be hard, but I'll manage.
Depends. Some I had to just let myself go through the grieving process before I could handle it. Others seemed natural and the right time for them so the grieving was not as bad.

[edalz]

How do you view it?
It just is, and there isn't really anything I can do about it.

Do you accept it or fear it?
I accept that it will happen, but I hope it won't be extremely painful or long and drawn out. I would have a hard time dealing with a long-term illness or with slowly losing my ability to function independantly.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
I wouldn't want to be the only one to live forever, watching everyone I've ever loved die. :(

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
No, and it would be kinda fun if someone yelled "Surprise!"

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I don't have a list. I have some general goals, but I really don't know what I would put on the list. I don't have a time-table or anything for when I want to do things in my life. I usually feel satisfied at the end of each day.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
My fiance came extremely close to death nearly a year ago. I still get upset just thinking about it... I think I would have continued to function but bottled myself up in my mind and not come out for a very long time, if ever. I've been able to cope with the death of other people close to me just fine, but I was hit hard with him being so near death, and then sick for so many months.

[banzai]

How do you view it?
Death is the demarc between that which I control and care about and that which I cannot and do not.

Do you accept it or fear it?
In and of itself, it doesn't mean much to me. I will make the most of the former, and when the latter comes, I will no longer care at that point.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
The curious side of me would say yes... giving me the opportunity to explore everything, but practically I don't think I would want to.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
No - see question #2.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I have goals, but I am happy if I am doing my best to progress towards them.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
In the short term, I'll just swallow it... in the long term, I will focus on the positive aspects of their life.

[Solnath]

How do you view it?
Frankly, boohoo. Death is nothing to worry about, I'll cross that bridge when an if I get there.

Do you accept it or fear it?
I think my thoughts go to accepting it because, truth be told, it doesn't matter that much to me. C'est la vie. Ou pas.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Depends. Eternal youth as well? Bring it.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Of course. Think of the practical jokes you could pull off.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
Had one, it's done. Now I'm just in for the ride and fireworks.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
In my normal manner. I do not give a flying penguin.

[thumbs up smilie here]

[stasis]

How do you view it?
I view death in the same manner that I view the millennia before my birth. A non-experience.


Do you accept it or fear it?
I have no need of accepting nor of fearing that which I can never experience.


If you could live forever, would you want to?
As I have no means of comparing an experience to a non-experience in order to ascertain which one is better, such a comparison being impossible, I'm forced to default to living. What I will posit, however, is that a person who does not have the power to end his or her own life does not hold any meaningful guarantee of self-ownership. I guess it would depend upon the terms of the immortality.


Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
If knowing the date couldn't possibly change that date, knowing it would be something I'd find very useful. Yes.


Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
This is another question I'm not sure how to answer. I have aspirations and goals. If I were to die before completing them, I do not think I would be aware of it in order to be regretful of the fact.


How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I do not know. I suspect it to strongly depend upon who it is and how they've died.

[silverlady]

How do you view it?

Some sort of answer to what 'it' is all about.

Do you accept it or fear it?

Depends what happens... I suspect there is something, some bigger scheme or higher power and he/she is essentially fair minded...

If you could live forever, would you want to?

Yes.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?

Yes.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?

I'm really unsure to the point of my existence or existence generally.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?

Acceptance.

[Blendy]

How do you view it?
With resigned acceptance.

Do you accept it or fear it?
Both- I accept it as inevitable, but fear it to some degree as well. I think most of the fear is around wanting to die quickly; not wanting to suffer.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
No way. I derive some degree of comfort knowing I have an 'out' from life if it gets too bad.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
No; I'd just end up obsessing about it.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
No list and no specific things I want to accomplish.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I'm not sure. I imagine it will be very difficult, and that I'll get depressed for a while and then move on.

[Fissiongrid]

It's absolutely impossible to determine somebody's time and date of death.

Answering a question based on things that are impossible yields no valuable results!

[WavesSootheMe]

It's absolutely impossible to determine somebody's time and date of death.

Answering a question based on things that are impossible yields no valuable results!

I find exploring the thoughts in the minds of others to be a rather interesting and valuable pursuit no matter the question, but each to their own. For me, it yields insight into human thought and behavior. I think the answers to these currently impossible questions somewhat show one's attitude toward the life they are living in a much more interesting and meaningful way than directly asking "what's your attitude toward life?" Additionally, being able to consider "what ifs?" and speculate how you would handle them is absolutely necessary to plan for the future. Sure we think it's impossible now, but we used to think that (to use an overused example) the world was flat. Ultimately the impossible may become possible. In the meantime, I can draw upon the value that I place on human exploration.

[banzai]

Answering a question based on things that are impossible yields no valuable results!

It yields entertainment, which is certainly valuable. :)

[terencec]

How do you view it?
I am not rich, don't have relationship. Don't like most of my coworkers and bosses. Die may be a relieve!

Do you accept it or fear it?
I am not worried about it. Just don't want to be an "old guy"! Be an old guy, not die, running out of money is scary!

If you could live forever, would you want to?
If I could look young forever, I would consider to live forever. If not, I would rather die!

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Depends. If I die young let's say tomorrow, I want to know. I want to spend my money, talk to the girls who I like (don't worry about rejection), say goodbye to my friends and family before I die.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I don't think I ever complete all my goals. But there are things I want to do after I die such as give money/organs etc to charity So, let me die!

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I will say it is just temporary separation. I will see them sooner or later! But not yet.

[AntimonyLegault]

The best we can hope for is to leave an impact, I should think. Indeed,for many people childhood is the best time of their lives, it would follow that we should do what's best for humanity with our time (that's an open conclusion...).

[Solnath]

Any impact we leave would and will be temporary at best. Everything will fade away sooner or later.

[Antares]

How do you view it?
I've made my peace with death. I've accepted that it would happen and although I won't go looking for it, but I will be mentally ready when it comes (the idea of it used to depress and frighten me when I was young).

Do you accept it or fear it?
I accept it. If it's going to come anyway, then make the best of your life rather than wasting emotions fearing it.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Eternal youth? Wow... Sure, but I wouldn't want to be around when the things are really bad on Earth. Besides, I think I'll be tired of living then.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
That's like giving yourself a death sentence already. Why would I?

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
Living my life to the fullest. I'd like to become what I've always dreamed of being and see the world as much as possible.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I accept that they're gone. Yes, I'll find it hard to let go, but I won't dwell on it. After all, life goes on.

[yam]

How do you view it?
It's only the way to end our life... our boring life...

Do you accept it or fear it?
I accept it. What else??

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Death...

[B]Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Of course... At least, I can repent and make sure that I'll get heaven as my last home

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I have... Wish I can complete it before I die...

How do you cope when someone close to you dies?
I don't know how it feels.... Maybe I'll cry all day long. Then the next day I'll do my usual activity like there's nothing happen. We should move on, shouldn't we?

[More Tea]

Interesting topic! Anyways, here are my thoughts:

How do you view it?
Could be worse. I grew up with a schizophrenic, so the death of the mind is what scares me. Physical death does not seem so bad in comparison.

Do you accept it or fear it?
Both. I actually have a strong belief in reincarnation, but embrace the fear and the hopes underlying death as very valid.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
No. I think the physical body would decay too much, even if everlasting. I think my mind would descend into chaos, even if immortal.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
I suspect I will die in my 70's (could be wrong; it's a hunch). I do not want to know for sure.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I want to publish a novel or two, be a good friend and wife, and live a life of meaning (mostly defined by what goes on in my own head, truth be told). Other than that, I'm pretty cool.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
It will be tough, I think. Thusfar, I have only lost a cat, though she was dear. I guess that I will not know until I cross that bridge, though I hope I my spirituality--for lack of a better word--will help.

[Booko]

Dying is inevitable. How do you view it? Do you accept it or fear it? If you could live forever, would you want to? Would you want to know the exact date of your death? Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends? How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?

I accept the fact that we all die. To do otherwise is to live somewhere besides reality. Some days it seems like death would be preferable to pain that seems, at the time, like it won't ever let go.

Personally I think living forever would be a crashing bore, even if I would be guaranteed good health. Besides, I might find that I'm one of the old farts that keeps progress from happening, and I wouldn't like to become that. Imagine standing in the way of progress for millenia. No, thanks.

I never wanted to know the gender of my kids while they were in utero and I wouldn't like to know when I'll die either. Surprises keep life interesting.

I have things I'd like to do of course, but those are forever changing as circumstances change. I'm not attached to anything in particular as an accomplishment.

I've had people close to me die around me all my life, and I cope with it by accepting the fact that people die, live on in your memory, and we all have to move on with life.

My father died when I was 13, which was unexpected and a shocker at the time, but I also learned from that the finiteness of life, the importance of not waiting till tomorrow to say things to people you love, and not to live as if someone will always be there with you. I make plans, but with the knowledge that it can all change in an instant.

Speaking of sounding morbid, I have to say that I find a good funeral more inspirational than weddings. Go figure.

[Blacklustre King]

Quite frankly my hubris will not even allow me to accept death as a reality for myself at least. Unless I’ am struck down by some terrible ailment or am killed by someone or something I plan to live on for a very, VERY long time.

I have applied myself to a quote I myself created, “To know death is to accept it as a reality but to become death is to transcend it.” Whether what meaning you can pull from that phrase is even meaningful or not is questionable, however my personal views will allow me to even conform to a belief in death as a personal reality.

However unrealistic it may seem, I’ am one who plans to conquer this adversary once and for all. I will remain on this earth to rule as a god king or simply remain here a watcher ever imparting my wisdom upon worthy pupils.

My ambitions span more then even the human realm however and if my ultimate development reveals to me that I may only access other plains of existence upon “death” then I will of my own accord end my life, not allowing it to the whim of time.

I’ am radically obsessed with obtaining ultimate power (whatever it may be) even if it means defying the very laws of existence.

Insane, perhaps… But my ambitions keep me breathing.

[yondyr]

How do you view it?
It's a fact of life (sic) grins

Do you accept it or fear it?
Neither one nor the other.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Yes, always curious.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Not really, though having the means within ones grasp, one could choose it.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
No agenda.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
A Stoic... I know because they did.

[anthrogirl]

I went to the funeral last week of a childhood friend who dropped dead while riding his mountain bike at the age of 29. Even though he was young he had packed into his life more than most people would do in 5 lives. He had tons of friends, had travelled the world. I came away from his funeral inspired to do as much with my life as he had done with his, the only big downer was that he was engaged so he leaves behind a greiving fiance which really sux for her. I am only scared of a painful, drawnout death, but of being dead I am not afraid. I think being stuck in a broken down body with a very active mind would be worse than death.

[Jed3]

How do you view it?
It's going to happen eventually, so I'm trying to live as long as possible and keep my mind intact so i can get as much done as possible. Life only happens once, so make the most of it.

Do you accept or fear it?
I accept it. There's no point denying the inevitable.

If you could live forever would you want to?
Hell yes! I'd love to sit back and observe mankind as they evolved, and see where things end up.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
No, becuase then it would be constantly on my mind and I would be counting down the days, which would be really depressing.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter where it ends?
I want to do something worthwhile in my life. That's about it really.

How do you cope when someone close to you dies?
If anyone has read my intro they know abit about this anyway. My dad commited suicide a couple of years ago when I was 14.
It was pretty hard to deal with, especially because it was all of a sudden and we had no idea he was even depressed. It was a big shock to the system, and I was just numb for a few months after but as they say 'life goes on'. I'd love it if he was around now, but I just get on with things.

[Wapiti]

How do you view it?
It's part of life, It's going to happen and I can't find any way around it.

Do you accept it or fear it?
I accept it fully, if today is my last day - well than its been a nice life.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
I will, just not here on earth.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
No, it's one surprise I look forward to.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I have a never ending, always changing list of things I need to do and stuff I would like to do. Like fix this or that, read this book, go to that place,..... But nothing that really needs done before I die.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
Not as well as I thought. I've had 2 sisters die in there early/mid 30's. I remember telling someone after my first sister died that it affected me more than I thought it would. When the second sister died, just recently I remember telling someone that it affected me more than I know - and it still does. I think the worst part was how they died. Both died from breast cancer. Watching someone slowly die over several years and all they have to go through I think is harder for me than if they would have just suddenly died.

[AgentofGaming]

How do you view it?
Like the end of a story be it epic, good, bad, boring, long. After it is no more but a memory (till you read it again), unless the author wants to write a sequel.

Do you accept it or fear it?
Both. If I was ended before I wanted to I would dislike it. There's not much to fight about it, I'm not going to look for a fountain of youth, so obviously I'd have to accept it.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
Depends, do I get to sleep in the middle? If I had to do the same things over and over like math homework I'd really not like it. Also depends on what forever will be? Eternity is not even comprehendable, does it even exist?

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
Maybe, but if I knew it It'd end up like a school project done in the last 2 days.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
Be happy, be complete, see what if I have to see, do what i have to do, and try to put myself in the records if possible.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
Remember them and live on, what else can I do? Grief and despair accomplish nothing for the dead.

[dandylion]

Dying is inevitable. How do you view it?
It's not a big deal. Everyone has to die some time.

Do you accept it or fear it?
Yes.

If you could live forever, would you want to?
No. I feel sorry for vampires.

Would you want to know the exact date of your death?
No, it would take the fun out of it.

Do you have a list of things you want to complete before you die or are you just happy with the path no matter when it ends?
I've thought about making a list but I've never got around to it. I think I'll just do what I need to do and be happy with it. Whatever happens, happens.

How do you (or do you think you'll) cope when someone close to you dies?
I move on. I'm sad that person has left, but I'm glad their pain and suffering has ended.