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Science Inches Closer to Understanding Death
We don’t know what happens after death, but we’re closer to understanding what happens during it
As a younger child, I was terrified of death. I’m not sure what triggered it, but I became possessed with fears of our house burning while we slept. For a while, my bedtime ritual included making sure the stove was off, and all candles were blown out. Then, I’d fall asleep reciting my fire escape route and prioritizing what to take with me after saving my little sister.
Depressing, I know. But don’t worry, I grew out of it. In fact, I overcame my fear of death completely thanks to a car-ride chat with my dad when I was around nine years old. My grandpa had just passed away — my first experience with death — and while explaining the situation, I naturally asked, “what happens when we die?”
Thus began a series of “what-if” possibilities that stuck with me to this day. This conversation changed my perspective of death from something to fear to a curious mystery and ultimate adventure. Scientifically, we still have a ways to go before knowing anything for sure, but we are beginning to shine a light on the enigma of death.
