Either we persist as individuals, with a life history and memories, or we do not. If we do not, then most of the things we care about are transient and futile: in the end, it all comes to nothing
The only way around an individual end is an individual eternity. Whether one dies in 100 years, 1000,000 years, or 861 thousand trillion years--the argument that things we care about are "futile" has not been altered. If you believe it true that things we care about are futile (either because we or they do not live forever), then you have a belief that individuals endure for eternity--or you believe that things we care about are futile.
This seems a very harsh and limiting way of looking at the opportunities in our short lives. In actuality, you are defining existence as futile, unless there is an eternal life ahead for the individual. This is not a necessary definition, and I doubt that it will enhance the joy that informs your daily experiences.
I wonder what continuity one would have with the past--after several trillion years of memories? Would our loved ones now, still be the center of our attentions then? In the case that we did not have absolute PROOF that all these trillions of years would go on forever, would you still hold the disquietude that: "Either we persist as individuals, with a life history and memories, or we do not. If we do not, then most of the things we care about are transient and futile: in the end, it all comes to nothing"??
I cannot imagine having the will to endure a trillion years--as one consciousness with accessible memories--especially not if I had distress over the question of futility.
How could the next world remove the quality of uncertainty (especially as addresses the pertinent question here of a guaranteed eternity). Would God (for example) remove my capacity for doubt? I wonder what that kind of a life would be like??
No thanks. I love this actual life--not that potential one. |
