- #1
evthis
What fears you the most? What are you most afraid of? What other things are you afraid of that come close to you worst fear?
Fear of Aging: The Greatest Fear of Many Scientists
- Thread starter evthis
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around various fears expressed by participants, with a particular emphasis on the fear of aging. Participants share personal fears ranging from existential concerns to specific phobias, exploring the emotional and psychological aspects of these fears.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express fears related to death and dying, including specific scenarios like being buried alive or burned in a fire.
- Others mention more unusual fears, such as being ripped apart by animals or specific phobias like spiders and ants.
- A participant articulates a profound fear of aging, emphasizing the emotional toll of witnessing deterioration in oneself and loved ones, preferring death over the decline associated with aging.
- There are contrasting views on fear itself, with some participants claiming to fear nothing or expressing a sense of overcoming fears.
- Several participants reflect on the nature of their fears, discussing the potential beauty or glory in certain death scenarios, such as falling from a great height.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally express a variety of fears, with no consensus on which fears are most significant. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature and implications of these fears, particularly the fear of aging.
Contextual Notes
Some fears are expressed in a light-hearted manner, while others reveal deeper anxieties about mortality and aging. The discussion includes a mix of serious and humorous contributions, reflecting a range of emotional responses.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in psychological perspectives on fear, aging, and existential concerns may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
witze
- 17
- 0
Um, death maybe... Also, being buried alive, burned in a fire, mutilated, stuff like that...
- #3
scholar
I'm afraid of nothing. :)
- #4
BLUE_CHIP
Spiders
Walking with their knees above their head, who wouldn't be
Walking with their knees above their head, who wouldn't be
- #5
Carly
- 4
- 0
Oh dear me...what are we going to do with you? 
- #6
Ivan Seeking
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
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- 8,252
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Being ripped to pieces by a chimpanzee.
- #7
arildno
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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Dearly Missed
- 10,165
- 138
Being eaten alive by a boa constrictor.
- #8
JasonRox
Homework Helper
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- 4
I'm generally scared of certain things, but I have the ability to overcome it and live.
- #9
Gale
- 683
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I'm afriad of ants, getting stuck in my clothing or jewelry, and when people look at me and i don't know why, mostly ants though.
- #10
Bladibla
- 362
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Maggots.. ewww.
- #11
Andy
- 76
- 14
fear itself!
- #12
witze
- 17
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I hate spiders, worms... Also when certain people look at me...
- #13
cragwolf
- 169
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intimacy ... that's a doozy!
- #14
Bartholomew
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I hate the blackened earth.
- #15
hypermorphism
- 504
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Falling through air without a parachute from a great height.
- #16
Bartholomew
- 527
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If I had to pick a way to die, I might choose death by freezing. Just a slipping away, some pretty colors due to oxygen deprivation, and darkness. But the other way I might choose to die is by falling. From a great height, many miles, to the ground. There could be no more glorious end.
- #17
hypermorphism
- 504
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The remaining people on the ground who were left alive may not call the remains very glorious.Bartholomew said:
- #18
Bartholomew
- 527
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The view as you fall would be glorious.
- #19
Bartholomew
- 527
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And in the knowledge that those are the last moments--glorious tenfold.
- #20
mapper
- 123
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our sun going super nova.
- #21
JasonRox
Homework Helper
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mapper said:
Or a missile shot from space.
- #22
eax
- 61
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Human potential, because of this I have to learn 
- #23
singleton
- 119
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The only thing I really fear is aging and getting old. And I fear it a great deal.
Its not death I fear--I just fear watching my life and everyone around me fall apart slowly but surely. Watching all the people in my life die, and day by day I can no longer do certain things to the point my body deteriorates and I'm not as mentally quick.
I'd rather die before that happens. (within reason... I'm talking like around age 50-60)
Its not death I fear--I just fear watching my life and everyone around me fall apart slowly but surely. Watching all the people in my life die, and day by day I can no longer do certain things to the point my body deteriorates and I'm not as mentally quick.
I'd rather die before that happens. (within reason... I'm talking like around age 50-60)