Over the past few weeks I've come to realize the role that science plays within my worldview. In the absence of my belief in a god, my membership in a religious institution, and my belief of the afterlife I turn towards science to answer all of my existential questions. In fact, science is my spirituality.
I'm defining spirituality very loosely here. I believe that we all have our own definitions of what it means for us to be spiritual and that we may not agree with another's belief system. Even so, I believe that one of the central tenants of spirituality is the ability for everyone to find their own path. Whether or not your spiritual journey is affiliated with a religious institution is up to you but I do not equate spirituality with religion.
I came to this realization while contemplating how I would like my body to be treated once I have died. The depth of possibilities surrounding mortuary practices and their corresponding belief systems illustrated by cultures around the world and through time left me thinking about this question.
In the end, I've decided to choose science. I don't want a funeral. I don't want to be embalmed or cremated. I don't want to go 'back into the ground' since I didn't come from a sealed box buried in the ground. And I especially don't want anything to memorialize my life outside of the personal memories that will continue to thrive within the people who loved me until they too die.
I choose science. Cut me up. Give away my viable organs to others who may need them. Keep the damaged ones for show and tell. Or turn my whole blood vessel system into one of those human 'statues' displayed in Body Worlds. Heck, you can even use my lifeless body as an educational tool for all of those aspiring doctors to practice surgery on.
In the end, it really doesn't matter to me. As long as any part of my body is scientifically useful for someone then may I RIP.
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