What is the origin of the rather irrational fear of death, we humans have? We are quite willing to forgo anything, or happy to inconvenience ourselves to a great degree, just to extend our life span. Which is easily noticeable, since all other forms of life show such struggles only when the end is inevitable.
Think of an activity, say, a game. All those who take part in it can be divided broadly into two. Those who are doing very well and belonging to the winning side, and those who are unable to register a win. For the former, the final whistle is of no consequence. Rather, they shall be eagerly looking forward to it. And for the latter, at every moment, the final whistle shall be an imminent threat.
I think the fear of death too, needs to be seen in this light. Agree, each and every form of life show some resistance, when one's life is in danger. But for humans, fear of death is much more than that, it effectively is the primary determinant for everything in life. An all pervasive, acute form of fear, which, I am sure, needs more explanation.
Here, the thoughts I expressed in my book, 'The Unsure Male', is a perfect fit. Humans, especially the males, seem to be on the losing side, as far as the most significant activity of life, namely, the one of perpetuating it, is concerned. Who shall therefore find in the final whistle, a big threat. Also, studies in this regard exist, which talks of gender differences in the manifestation of this dread. Women seem to be less frightened about death, though they show a higher degree of anxiety over private or personal losses that can happen as a result.
Woman acts as a member of a winning side, and man, as one of the losers.
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