To think that life is meaningless and when it ends then that's it is just...depressing. There must be something more, otherwise life as we currently know it is nothing.

-This is the problem I have with the Heaven scenario. It diminishes existence. People are looking forward to something instead of making the absolute most of what they have. Life is more meaningful when you consider that it may be fleeting. Because I have no clue if there is anything after life, I must make this one count. I must gather my roses while I can -to paraphrase.

theadvancedapes made an interesting point in his recent talk at the Global Brain Institute regarding the human legacy. It used to be that people considered their offspring to be there legacy after death. He proposes that a shift is occurring and that people are beginning to view their ideas, creations, theories etc to be their legacy. I for one find great pleasure in knowing that both my children and the things I have created and thought (one in the same?) will live on after I am gone.

I don't know what happens when people die, but I don't believe in heaven and hell. I have no evidence for this. I do know that life is beautiful and I'll hold on to it for as long as I can, I'm in no rush to meet my 40 virgins or to enter any pearly gates.

I didn't realize. So all that was going on and we never noticed. Take me back -- up the hill -- to my grave. But first: Wait! One more look. Good-bye , Good-bye world. Good-bye, Grover's Corners....Mama and Papa. Good-bye to clocks ticking....and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new ironed dresses and hot baths....and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth,you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every,every minute?

-Nope, they're too busy pining for heaven or afraid of hell.