The ability to categorise sparked the development of human intelligence in our evolutionary history. Once faced with a world of overwhelming input, we found our way to cope by putting things in ‘their place’. This has led to the development of the greatest of modernity, but drawing arbitrary lines between everything is really starting to impede our progress as science struggles to address issues like consciousness and fundamental physics.
How can we study these things, so evidently in existence, but inexplicable for us?
The only answer is to bring together all the knowledge we have, all the best guesses we have, from all perspectives humanity can muster. By looking at something from all available angles, through all available lenses, we stand a better chance at progressing as a species.
Science is the best tool we have for the job, but it has limitations. We must really listen to theoretical models, scientific studies, lived experience and ancient wisdom. We must suspend our disbelief, and approach with humility and respect all efforts to understand what, if anything, is beyond death.
Let’s change the paradigm of how we understand the world. Everyone serious about thanatology (the study of death) and the spiritual afterlife/consciousness beyond has a place at our table.