1 - Fearing death, like any other fear, is not inherently problematic. One must confront one’s fears and not be controlled by them. Practicing that which makes you afraid start to demystify it, and we aren’t afraid of the familiar. Awareness of your fears allows for learning and growth, while remaining ignorant or avoidant of them limits you.
2 - Many faith traditions (including most of Judaism and some schools of Christianity) focus on life. Halacha, the Tao, one’s dharma, Sirat al-Mustaqim... up to and including Jocko’s Warpath... they all make clear that following the path is in order to make the best of this life, not with the goal of future rewards after death.
I like the second point a lot. Marcus Aurelius has a great line I can only paraphrase, 'the goal is to live a virtuous life, and the reward of living a virtuous life is living a virtuous life" there's no goal beyond being good. Being good is the work, the goal and the reward all in one.
1 - Fearing death, like any other fear, is not inherently problematic. One must confront one’s fears and not be controlled by them. Practicing that which makes you afraid start to demystify it, and we aren’t afraid of the familiar. Awareness of your fears allows for learning and growth, while remaining ignorant or avoidant of them limits you.
2 - Many faith traditions (including most of Judaism and some schools of Christianity) focus on life. Halacha, the Tao, one’s dharma, Sirat al-Mustaqim... up to and including Jocko’s Warpath... they all make clear that following the path is in order to make the best of this life, not with the goal of future rewards after death.
I like the second point a lot. Marcus Aurelius has a great line I can only paraphrase, 'the goal is to live a virtuous life, and the reward of living a virtuous life is living a virtuous life" there's no goal beyond being good. Being good is the work, the goal and the reward all in one.