What happens when you die?

"What occurs upon the cessation of life? Despite the predominantly scientific perspective on death in contemporary times, it appears that a significant number of individuals maintain a belief in an afterlife. In 2014, a survey conducted by the Telegraph in the United Kingdom revealed that just under 60 percent of respondents held this belief. Similarly, in the United States, a predominantly Christian nation, a 2015 Pew Research survey found that 72 percent of Americans believed in the concept of heaven, which was described as a realm where individuals who have lived virtuously are rewarded eternally. Additionally, 54 percent of U.S. adults expressed a belief in hell, which was described as a place where individuals who have lived wickedly and died without remorse are punished eternally. With these perspectives in mind, we present this episode of the Infographics Show, exploring the topic of what transpires after death."

It appears that a significant number of individuals hold the belief that following death, we may find ourselves in a paradisiacal realm adorned with clouds. Conversely, if we have not adhered to the ethical principles prescribed by our chosen religion or denomination thereof, we may be confronted with eternal damnation and the prospect of supplicating to a bearded, red man who seldom relinquishes his pitchfork.

However, let us commence with an empirical approach and examine what transpires within the body upon death. Medical professionals ascertain death by the cessation of cardiac activity and the absence of electrical impulses in the brain. Brain death equates to death, although machines can prolong the process. Additionally, one may experience cardiac death, which denotes the cessation of heart function and the cessation of blood flow throughout the body.

Remarkably, individuals who have undergone cardiac death but have been resuscitated have reported being cognizant of their surroundings. Others have recounted near-death experiences involving walking towards a luminous source.

It is possible to be resuscitated from what is known as clinical death, but the window of opportunity is limited to approximately 4-6 minutes. However, in the event that one passes through the light, this marks the onset of biological death, signifying the end of life. Although the following details may be considered undignified, they are of little consequence to the deceased. Upon confirmation of death, the muscles in the body relax, including the sphincter, which may result in the expulsion of any undigested food or gas. Additionally, urine may also leak out, making the process of dying a rather messy affair. In males, ejaculation may occur, while in females, a phenomenon known as "coffin birth" may occur if the individual was pregnant at the time of death. This rare occurrence involves the release of gases in the abdomen, which exert pressure on the fetus, facilitating its delivery. As the body expels trapped air, sounds may emanate from the mouth, resembling those of a living person, as reported by nurses and individuals working in close proximity to deceased bodies. Lamentations and expressions of discomfort emanate from deceased individuals. Any movements or spasms observed are merely the result of muscle contractions and do not indicate vitality. In the event of death while lying face down, blood may accumulate in the genital area, potentially leading to an erection. This phenomenon is attributed to the pooling of blood in a specific region of the body, known as "livor mortis," which is responsible for the characteristic dark purple hue often depicted in media. These occurrences may transpire shortly after one's passing.

In the absence of blood circulation, the human body undergoes a process of cooling known as "algor mortis" or "death chill". This process continues until the body reaches the same temperature as its surroundings. Within a period of approximately 2-6 hours, the body becomes stiff, a condition referred to as "rigor mortis". This is due to the accumulation of calcium in the muscle cells, which break down in the absence of blood flow, leading to bacterial growth and subsequent decomposition. Although it may appear as though hair and nails have grown, this is merely an illusion caused by the receding of the skin. As the skin loosens, blisters may appear on the body. The final stage of this process is putrefaction, during which bacteria and microorganisms begin to consume the body. In the near future, it is highly likely that your body will emit an odor that is comparable to the most repugnant stenches imaginable during your lifetime. One individual has characterized this scent as a combination of putrid eggs, excrement, and a toilet that has been left unused for an extended period of time, multiplied by a factor of one thousand. This aroma is considered to be sacrilegious in nature. As time progresses, all soft tissues will liquefy, while bones, cartilage, and hair will remain intact. The decomposition process begins prior to interment. However, if the body is embalmed and buried, the decomposition process may be prolonged. Conversely, if the body is left above ground, it will transform into a liquefied mass within a month, providing sustenance for insects, maggots, plants, and animals.

According to certain experts, it may require a period of 8-12 years before an individual is fully reduced to a skeletal state when buried underground. Furthermore, after approximately 50 years, even the bones will eventually integrate into the Earth. It is important to note that the rate of decomposition is influenced by a multitude of factors, which are too numerous to enumerate in this context. Nevertheless, the general concept is clear. Although some individuals have reported experiencing remarkable near-death episodes, this is not always the case. One person writing on Reddit said his experience was as follows: “It was just black emptiness. No thoughts, no consciousness, nothing.” The French philosopher, Rene Descartes, posited the notion that the soul is distinct from the body, a belief shared by many religions. It is possible that upon death, a residual essence may persist. Friedrich Nietzsche expounded upon the concept of eternal recurrence, also known as eternal return, which suggests that all energy and existence in the universe will continue to repeat itself infinitely.

One's existence is characterized by an eternal repetition of the same life. Such a notion may prompt one to strive for a virtuous existence. This concept bears resemblance to the Buddhist doctrine of the "Wheel of Samsara," wherein all souls undergo a cycle of rebirth after death, albeit not in the exact same form. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as reincarnation, which some individuals associate with the phenomenon of déjà vu. Buddhists maintain that the cessation of the vicious cycle can be attained through the attainment of true enlightenment, ultimately leading to the realization of nirvana. Alternatively, one may ponder whether, upon the cessation of our corporeal existence, we ascend to heaven and are granted entry through the Pearly Gates by St. Peter, hoping that our past transgressions do not preclude us from entry. Will we be ushered into a paradisiacal realm, replete with sumptuous fare and alluring maidens that leave us weak in the knees? Or will our souls simply return to the earth, serving as nothing more than a temporal distraction from our cosmic insignificance and the sense of futility that we occasionally experience in our terrestrial existence? While we cannot provide a definitive answer, we would be most interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter.