What happens when you Die?

In 2014, a poll conducted by the Telegraph revealed that just under 60 percent of UK citizens believed that some part of us continues to exist after death.

Similarly, in the United States, a Pew Research survey in 2015 found that 72 percent of Americans believed in the concept of heaven. This was described as a realm where individuals who have led virtuous lives are eternally rewarded.

Additionally, 54 percent of U.S. adults expressed their belief in hell, which was described as a place where those who have led sinful lives and died without remorse are eternally punished.

With these beliefs in mind, welcome to this episode of the Infographics Show, where we explore the question: What happens when you die?

Before delving into the realms of metaphysics and spirituality, let us start with the empirical realities of what transpires within the body upon death.

Physicians ascertain death when the heart ceases to beat, and there is no longer any electrical activity in the brain. Brain death is the definitive marker of the end of life, although medical machines can temporarily sustain bodily functions.

Another scenario is cardiac death, wherein the heart stops beating and blood no longer circulates throughout the body. Interestingly, individuals who have experienced cardiac death and have been resuscitated often report a sense of awareness during the event.

Some have even described near-death experiences where they perceive walking towards a bright light. However, it is important to note that revival from clinical death is only possible within a grace period of approximately 4-6 minutes.

Assuming one were to proceed towards the light and cross over, this would be considered biological death—the ultimate cessation of life. Here, things take a rather undignified turn, but in death, such concerns become inconsequential.

Once the body is definitively lifeless, the muscles relax, resulting in the relaxation of the sphincter as well. Consequently, any undigested food in the gastrointestinal tract, such as that triple Whopper and large fries from lunch, will spill out.

Gas may also escape, contributing to the unpleasant odor commonly associated with decomposition. The same applies to the urine stored in the bladder.

Furthermore, in rare cases, men may even experience ejaculation after death, while women, if pregnant, might undergo a phenomenon known as "coffin birth," wherein gases in the abdomen facilitate the birthing process.

While these events occur shortly after death, they are nothing more than involuntary muscle contractions, giving the illusion of life.

As time progresses, a series of changes take place within the deceased body. Blood, devoid of circulation, begins to cool down, resulting in a phenomenon called "algor mortis" or "death chill." This cooling process continues until the body reaches the same temperature as its surroundings.

Rigor mortis, the stiffening of the body's muscles, sets in within approximately 2-6 hours after death, caused by the influx of calcium into the muscle cells.

In the absence of blood flow, cells break down, leading to bacterial growth and the subsequent decomposition of the body. Although it may appear as if hair and nails continue to grow, the reality is that the skin recedes, giving the illusion of growth.

Meanwhile, the skin becomes loose, and blisters may form. The subsequent stage, putrefaction, sees the proliferation of bacteria and microorganisms feasting upon the remains, resulting in a putrid odor that can be described as an unholy combination of rotten eggs, feces, and a neglected toilet left out for a month multiplied a thousand fold.

Over time, everything soft in the body liquefies, while structures like bones, cartilage, and hair retain their form.

By the time the body is placed in the ground, decomposition is already well underway. If embalmed and buried, the process may be considerably slower.

However, if left exposed above ground, the body will rapidly deteriorate, turning into a liquefied mess within about a month. Insects, maggots, plants, and animals will feast upon the remains.

Underground, experts estimate that it might take 8-12 years for a body to be reduced to a skeleton. Eventually, even the bones will disintegrate, integrating into the Earth after approximately 50 years.

It is important to note that the rate of decomposition is influenced by numerous factors too extensive to mention here. Nonetheless, the general picture is one of progressive decay and return to the elements.

While some individuals have reported near-death experiences characterized by vivid and awe-inspiring scenes, others have described the experience as an abyss of black emptiness devoid of consciousness or thought.

French philosopher René Descartes and various religious traditions posit the separation of the soul from the body, suggesting the possibility of something enduring after death.

Friedrich Nietzsche contemplated the concept of eternal recurrence, wherein all existence or energy in the universe perpetually repeats itself.

According to this idea, individuals relive the same life infinitely. This notion draws parallels to the Buddhist belief in the "Wheel of Samsara," in which souls embark on cyclic existence after death, albeit not necessarily in identical lives.

This cycle, known as reincarnation, is often associated with the phenomenon of déjà vu. Buddhists propose that true enlightenment can break this cycle, leading to nirvana.

Alternatively, various religious and cultural beliefs envision a post-death journey to heaven. Imagery of heavenly paradises brimming with delectable foods and captivating companions is often conjured.

Perhaps, one might hope to gain entry through the Pearly Gates, bidding farewell to St. Peter and avoiding any retribution for past misdeeds—such as that stolen candy bar on a school trip to Niagara Falls.

In conclusion, the beliefs surrounding the fate of an individual after death vary widely across cultures and religions. While some conceive of an afterlife, others envision a perpetual cycle of existence or the dissolution of the self into the elements.

The question of what truly happens when we die remains a subject of profound mystery and speculation, inviting contemplation on the nature of existence and the meaning of life itself.