The idea of death challenges our sense of existence. When we reflect on existence itself, we encounter mysteries beyond our current understanding. This makes it difficult to grasp the full meaning of death. Instead, we rely on everyday experiences and trusted sources to shape our perception of it.

We may feel certain about our mortality, yet the reality is more complex. Some see mortality as the end of existence, while others view it as an event within life. Some ask, “Why do we die?” while most focus on “How do we die?” Others wonder, “What happens after death?” Despite our inquiries, a true understanding of death remains elusive—like running along the circumference of a circle searching for its center.

Any deeply held belief about life affects its quality. Mortality has been a central human concern for as long as we can remember, and some consider it the greatest one. A better understanding of death could unlock new perspectives, ultimately improving our quality of life in practical ways.

Ideas, including those about death, evolve through human experience. Individual experiences merge into social ones, and over generations, they shape civilization’s knowledge. Trusted information can accelerate this evolution, but identifying a reliable source can be paradoxical.

Flawed information can distort developing ideas, leading to harmful beliefs. When such flawed ideas persist, they either grow stronger or fade as better ones emerge. If they become deeply ingrained, they can become destructive. For example, stigmatized myths about mental health have harmed individuals and misled societies in their planning and management.

If society holds a flawed or harmful perception of death, how does it impact human well-being? Clearly, our ability to cope with death remains poor. Even if our current understanding has evolved, we may still need to adjust our attitudes to handle it better.

Death is not just a personal burden; it is a significant challenge for society. It demands vast resources in healthcare, research, and technology. Yet, while we acknowledge death as a natural process like birth, we struggle to accept it in the same way. Compared to birth, death is often perceived as something monstrous.

This raises an important question: Is it unreasonable to challenge society’s prevailing perception of death? Probably not.