Quote (Ryvulet @ Nov 27 2023 09:19pm)

The answer to that is faith itself. Our own identity will always be stronger than faith aside from exceptions. Even bible and perhaps other religious rhetoric reinforces this. We are meant to live in this reality and live with free will.
It is natural to want to live as long as possible in a known reality rather than one you have faith in, and this desire is not exclusive from having faith yourself.

Quote (Malopox @ Nov 27 2023 10:17pm)

How about classic philosophers? I’ve been discussing this with my friends after a misappropriated Socrates quote became viral with gym bros.

Socrates is known for his method of questioning and philosophical inquiry and believed that beauty extended beyond physical appearances. He emphasized the importance of inner virtues and the pursuit of knowledge as integral components of beauty. Socrates might argue that true beauty is found in wisdom, moral character, and the goodness of the soul. In this view, a beautiful person is one who embodies ethical and intellectual excellence.

Aristotle, on the other hand, considered beauty to be a combination of harmony, proportion, and balance. He explored the idea of aesthetic beauty and believed that it could be observed in art, nature, and even the human form. Aristotle's perspective on beauty would likely focus on the balance and symmetry of physical features and how they contribute to an overall harmonious appearance.

Quote (Handcuffs @ Nov 27 2023 08:50pm)

Philosophy is very relevant to political and religious matters, so I figured I'd see if people are interested in a thread that is focused on philosophical considerations. Here's a thought I had:

If there is a belief in an afterlife, and this belief is one of an eternally peaceful afterlife, why do we desire extending our lifespan so much? This is different than a question of suicide, as suicide relates to the desire to kill ourselves immediately (or shortly). I think of it as the difference between choosing death v. adjusting your acceleration towards death. Why the adjustment? Why the desire to delay meeting paradise, God, The One, etc.?

Quote (Ghot @ Nov 27 2023 10:22pm)

Seems like there two possibilities.

1. Imagination. We lack the imagination to comprehend perfect bliss, so we cling to the happiness we can achieve in this life.
2. Doubt. We don't know for "sure" that there is an afterlife.

Quote (majorblood @ Nov 27 2023 11:07pm)

mind going into more detail of what heaven is in this particular example

Quote (Handcuffs @ Nov 27 2023 11:10pm)

Is 1 then a lack of sufficient faith?

2 seems compelling, to me.



Any iteration where what is described includes sentiments similar to "eternal bliss". Devoid of suffering, perhaps--although, that gets into the weeds of consciousness, subjective experience, etc.

Quote

Attachment to earthly life: While belief in an afterlife may bring comfort and assurance of eternal peace, humans have a natural attachment to the life they currently know and experience. We form deep emotional connections, build relationships, and create meaningful experiences in this mortal existence. The desire to extend our lifespan stems from the love for life itself and the desire to continue experiencing and enjoying the earthly realm.

Uncertainty about the afterlife: Despite the belief in an eternally peaceful afterlife, there may still exist uncertainties or questions about what exactly awaits us beyond death. The concept of an afterlife is often based on faith, and even believers may have moments of doubt or curiosity about the nature of the afterlife. Living longer allows individuals to postpone the transition into the unknown and maintain a sense of familiarity and control over their current existence.

Unfinished business or regrets: People may desire to extend their lifespan to address unfinished business or regrets they have in their current life. These could include personal goals that have not been achieved, unresolved conflicts, or a desire to make amends for past actions. Living longer provides an opportunity to work towards closure, personal growth, and a sense of fulfillment before transitioning to the afterlife.

Impact and legacy: Many individuals strive to leave a lasting impact or legacy in the world. They want to be remembered for their contributions, influence, or positive changes they have made during their time on Earth. By extending their lifespan, they hope to have more time to make a significant difference and leave a meaningful mark on the world.

Appreciation of the present: While the afterlife may be perceived as eternally peaceful, the present life holds a unique charm and value. There is beauty in the human experience, the relationships we cultivate, and the personal growth we undergo. Extending our lifespan allows us to continue cherishing and appreciating the present moment, even if we believe in a blissful afterlife.

Quote (majorblood @ Nov 27 2023 11:16pm)

I put your question (paraphrased) into chatgpt and got


Attachment to earthly life: While belief in an afterlife may bring comfort and assurance of eternal peace, humans have a natural attachment to the life they currently know and experience. We form deep emotional connections, build relationships, and create meaningful experiences in this mortal existence. The desire to extend our lifespan stems from the love for life itself and the desire to continue experiencing and enjoying the earthly realm.

Uncertainty about the afterlife: Despite the belief in an eternally peaceful afterlife, there may still exist uncertainties or questions about what exactly awaits us beyond death. The concept of an afterlife is often based on faith, and even believers may have moments of doubt or curiosity about the nature of the afterlife. Living longer allows individuals to postpone the transition into the unknown and maintain a sense of familiarity and control over their current existence.

Unfinished business or regrets: People may desire to extend their lifespan to address unfinished business or regrets they have in their current life. These could include personal goals that have not been achieved, unresolved conflicts, or a desire to make amends for past actions. Living longer provides an opportunity to work towards closure, personal growth, and a sense of fulfillment before transitioning to the afterlife.

Impact and legacy: Many individuals strive to leave a lasting impact or legacy in the world. They want to be remembered for their contributions, influence, or positive changes they have made during their time on Earth. By extending their lifespan, they hope to have more time to make a significant difference and leave a meaningful mark on the world.

Appreciation of the present: While the afterlife may be perceived as eternally peaceful, the present life holds a unique charm and value. There is beauty in the human experience, the relationships we cultivate, and the personal growth we undergo. Extending our lifespan allows us to continue cherishing and appreciating the present moment, even if we believe in a blissful afterlife.

this primarily focuses on why humans might do it, i'm not sure if that's what you are trying to approach with the question. do you care more about what's logical given the situation or why humans might do something?