Uploaded November 2012 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
For many people the idea of an eternal paradisaical afterlife, spent with the all loving creator of the universe, is one of the most appealing things about religion. The solace and comfort provided by the thought of eternal bliss, reunion with loved ones, and the answers to all of life's questions is just too alluring to resist. Many atheists even find themselves wishing that there was such an afterlife, but simply can't bring themselves to believe in one.
In this talk I argue that this attitude is not merely mistaken, but harmful. Coming to terms with the fact that we, along with everyone we know, will eventually cease to exist in any form is one of the most important things we can do with our lives. When done properly, accepting our eventual annihilation leads not to despair, but to liberation. It provides us with an exuberance for life that only genuine mortality can afford. It is only when we honestly accept the reality and finality of death that we can truly begin to live life. Dying without God allows us to live as human beings.
I gave this talk I gave for the Secular Student Alliance at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale on November 8th, 2012.
"With infinite life comes an infinite list of relatives. Grandparents never die, nor do great-grandparents, great-aunts... and so on, back through the generations, all alive and offering advice. Sons never escape from the shadows of their fathers. Nor do daughters of their mothers. No one ever comes into his own... Such is the cost of immortality. No person is whole. No person is free."--Alan Lightman, "
P.S.--I know I've been gone a while. I appreciate everyone who has sent me messages of support. I've had a hellacious semester, but I promise you that I have not abandoned my YouTube channel. I will be making new videos, hopefully soon.
For many people the idea of an eternal paradisaical afterlife, spent with the all loving creator of the universe, is one of the most appealing things about religion. The solace and comfort provided by the thought of eternal bliss, reunion with loved ones, and the answers to all of life's questions is just too alluring to resist. Many atheists even find themselves wishing that there was such an afterlife, but simply can't bring themselves to believe in one.
In this talk I argue that this attitude is not merely mistaken, but harmful. Coming to terms with the fact that we, along with everyone we know, will eventually cease to exist in any form is one of the most important things we can do with our lives. When done properly, accepting our eventual annihilation leads not to despair, but to liberation. It provides us with an exuberance for life that only genuine mortality can afford. It is only when we honestly accept the reality and finality of death that we can truly begin to live life. Dying without God allows us to live as human beings.
I gave this talk I gave for the Secular Student Alliance at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale on November 8th, 2012.
"With infinite life comes an infinite list of relatives. Grandparents never die, nor do great-grandparents, great-aunts... and so on, back through the generations, all alive and offering advice. Sons never escape from the shadows of their fathers. Nor do daughters of their mothers. No one ever comes into his own... Such is the cost of immortality. No person is whole. No person is free."--Alan Lightman, "
P.S.--I know I've been gone a while. I appreciate everyone who has sent me messages of support. I've had a hellacious semester, but I promise you that I have not abandoned my YouTube channel. I will be making new videos, hopefully soon.
