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A review by leemac027
Mortals: How the Fear of Death Shaped Human Society by Rachel E. Menzies, Ross G. Menzies
3.0
There are many compelling arguments put forward in this book about why humans seek immortality, or at least have a need to be remembered after their death for a few generations. Humans tend to have a fear of death and this is a subject that sadly gets swept under the carpet until it is way too late.
Religion provides comfort for many as there is the promise of life after death. Cryogenics can provide comfort for those with deep pockets that wish to be frozen after their demise in the hope that science will eventually find a way to bring them back.
The authors also talk about authors and other artists creating works to give themselves immortality. I am not sure if I agree that immortality was the artist's driving force to create their work as many of them die prior to gaining any fame, plus the creative urge is something that drives you to follow your passion in that artform - so perhaps a long bow to draw.
Some of the research cited at times contradicts what the authors are trying to prove - that the fear of death can, even subconsciously, drive humans to act in ways that are more cruel or divisive. I think the jury is still out on this one.
A very interesting read that will provide the basis for a lot of passionate debate between those who believe in an afterlife and those who do not.
Religion provides comfort for many as there is the promise of life after death. Cryogenics can provide comfort for those with deep pockets that wish to be frozen after their demise in the hope that science will eventually find a way to bring them back.
The authors also talk about authors and other artists creating works to give themselves immortality. I am not sure if I agree that immortality was the artist's driving force to create their work as many of them die prior to gaining any fame, plus the creative urge is something that drives you to follow your passion in that artform - so perhaps a long bow to draw.
Some of the research cited at times contradicts what the authors are trying to prove - that the fear of death can, even subconsciously, drive humans to act in ways that are more cruel or divisive. I think the jury is still out on this one.
A very interesting read that will provide the basis for a lot of passionate debate between those who believe in an afterlife and those who do not.