I doubt very much that we all have done all of this that you describe and I for one don't mind dying - I mind living at the moment because the world seems to have gone crazier than I ever remember it but death - bring it on when its my time I won't fight it - I have enjoyed my life done a lot of things and cared about many people - dead is dead as far as I am concerned and I think I probably fear the pain but then - so what!

Nothing against you, but I hate that saying. "Everyone dies, but not everyone lives."

I know this isn't really the main message in your post, but it's so arrogant to think that others lives have less meaning because they don't do the things that others deem worthy of a life lived. It's almost like the people who get married and have kids and look down on those who don't. Who is to say someone isn't happy not having traveled or climbing a mountain or going to parties or "insert the blank" here?

My wonderful Aunt MaryElizabeth was certainly the best, most loving, kind, charitable woman who ever lived. At the end of her life, I held her hand and told her all would be well. She was crying and she said "I'm afraid I'm going to hell!" THIS after whatever they call the ''blessing of the sick'' or ''last rites''. So, yes...the ''godly'' are controlled by fear. If you reject religion and believe you're just another life form....what's to fear?

I don't understand someone prepares their entire life to go to heaven or they will go to hell. Makes life less meaningful during time on earth or living in the now less important..