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auswegian · 08-03-2003, 08:58 AM

Thing about this. There are lots of different ideas about what will await us beyond death. But are any of them really that attractive. My main problem is losing my personal identity, thats something that frankly terrifies me.

Athiesm, obviously, would suggest we are just going to not exist any more. Thats bad. I wouldn't know I'm dead, which is all right I suppose, but it really doesn't make me feel any better.

Monotheistic heaven-and-hell theory isn't much better. Either eternal damnation, which is bad, or eternal bliss, which is ok but requires you to completely devote yourself to God to the extent that you lose your identity. Thats bad, and not particularly attractive.

As for reincarnation, well, thats fine. But think of this. Your conciousness is determined by your memories and experiences, right? Well while you might be a certain person, the person that is you+hundreds of peasants, workers and soldiers throughout history would have a thousand different memories and experiences and personal qualities. A Nazi in one life, a Jew the next; a chauvinist in one, a beaten wife in another. The combined personality would take some of what you are. But it wouldn't be you anymore.

And Nirvana? Bah. Extinction of the ego, when you get down to it, is destruction of your identity. You only leave the Wheel by virtue of destroying yourself. Not satisfactory.

So is there any way we can survive this with our unique personalities intact? Or are we really stuffed?

08-03-2003, 08:58 AM	#1 (permalink)
auswegian Crazy Location: Perth, Australia	Are we doomed? Thing about this. There are lots of different ideas about what will await us beyond death. But are any of them really that attractive. My main problem is losing my personal identity, thats something that frankly terrifies me. Athiesm, obviously, would suggest we are just going to not exist any more. Thats bad. I wouldn't know I'm dead, which is all right I suppose, but it really doesn't make me feel any better. Monotheistic heaven-and-hell theory isn't much better. Either eternal damnation, which is bad, or eternal bliss, which is ok but requires you to completely devote yourself to God to the extent that you lose your identity. Thats bad, and not particularly attractive. As for reincarnation, well, thats fine. But think of this. Your conciousness is determined by your memories and experiences, right? Well while you might be a certain person, the person that is you+hundreds of peasants, workers and soldiers throughout history would have a thousand different memories and experiences and personal qualities. A Nazi in one life, a Jew the next; a chauvinist in one, a beaten wife in another. The combined personality would take some of what you are. But it wouldn't be you anymore. And Nirvana? Bah. Extinction of the ego, when you get down to it, is destruction of your identity. You only leave the Wheel by virtue of destroying yourself. Not satisfactory. So is there any way we can survive this with our unique personalities intact? Or are we really stuffed? __________________ "Look, I'm pretty relaxed for a guy who just lost money on a rave. And who's currently speeding down the highway drunk off my tits. And I'm being chased by someone in a blue Corolla. Woohoo! I just ran a red light!"