WHAT REALLY HAPPENS WHEN I DIE

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But let’s pivot to a heavier topic: what happens when we die? Despite modern, science-driven views on death, many people still believe in life after it. In a 2014 survey by The Telegraph, nearly 60% of UK respondents said they believed some part of us lives on after death. Across the Atlantic, Pew Research found in 2015 that 72% of Americans believe in heaven, described as a place where those who lead good lives are eternally rewarded. Conversely, 54% believed in hell, where the wicked face eternal punishment.

With that in mind, welcome to this episode of The Infographics Show: What Happens When You Die? Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell for updates!

Many believe in an afterlife—a serene paradise for the virtuous or a fiery abyss for the unrepentant. But what does science say? Let’s explore the stark reality of death.

Physicians confirm death when the heart stops beating and the brain shows no electrical activity. This “brain death” signifies the end, although machines can temporarily keep bodily functions going. Similarly, “cardiac death” occurs when the heart stops pumping blood. Remarkably, some who have experienced cardiac death and were resuscitated recall vivid experiences, such as observing their surroundings or moving toward a bright light. However, there’s only a 4–6 minute window for revival before the process becomes irreversible.

Once the body reaches “biological death,” it begins its journey of decomposition. Muscles relax, causing bodily fluids and gases to escape. This can lead to unexpected sounds, motions, or, in rare cases, posthumous childbirth (known as “coffin birth”). Blood settles due to gravity, creating dark purple patches known as livor mortis, while the body cools (called algor mortis) and eventually stiffens through rigor mortis.

As cells break down, bacteria take over, initiating decomposition. The skin retracts, giving the illusion of growing nails or hair. Blisters form, and soon, putrefaction begins. The body emits an unbearable stench, often described as “rotten eggs, feces, and a neglected toilet times 1,000.” Soft tissues liquefy, leaving behind bones, cartilage, and hair.

Buried bodies decompose slowly, taking years to fully break down, while above ground, the process accelerates. Over decades, even bones become part of the Earth, though decomposition varies depending on environmental factors.

While the physical process is stark, many wonder what happens to consciousness. Some report near-death experiences filled with light and euphoria, while others describe utter void and silence. Philosophers like René Descartes believed the soul transcends the body, a notion echoed by various religions. Friedrich Nietzsche’s idea of eternal recurrence suggests life endlessly repeats itself, akin to the Buddhist Wheel of Samsara, where souls cycle through reincarnation until achieving enlightenment or nirvana.

So, what awaits us? A heavenly paradise, a karmic rebirth, or simple oblivion? Ultimately, the mystery of death reminds us to live our lives with purpose—because whatever comes next remains the greatest unknown.