Comments on: Lance Is Not Dead

By: HP

HP — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:39:50 +0000

I would argue that even the Buddhist and Eckist experience birth and death as first time experiences, only they will be surprised to find out their death is a first (and only) time experience when they get to the other side and fall on their face in front of their Creator.

An entire graduate level course on death and dying? Intriguing… Sounds way more exciting and interesting than some of the courses I have been taking for my MBA. (I find death to be an EXCITING topic. I CAN’T WAIT for mine to happen!)

As a side note, I had never heard of an Eckist before I read the above. Talk about weird science!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eckankar

By: Professor

Professor — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:22:00 +0000

Hello, Lance . . . I teach graduate level courses on death & dying . . . a very special student sent me to your blog . . . . I’m impressed! For a young man who is about half my age, you have quite a bit of wisdom . . . keep posting your thoughts . . . and planning your funeral. Have you written your obituary yet? Doing so can be an amazing goal-setting experience. Write it as if you have died at the age of 100 . . . . what will you have accomplished in your life? how will you want to be remembered – books written? non-profit organizations begun? lives of friends and family members you have touched?

Regarding narcissism . . . . death, like birth, is a narcissistic experience. We must ultimately complete these tasks alone, although we have assistance on both sides of these transitions, and . . . . both experiences are holistic . . . embracing physical and spiritual elements. Unless one is Buddhist or Eckist, birth and death are accomplished as first-time experiences . . . we learn as we go.

Thank you for an enjoyable and insightful posting!

P.S. – Tops on my “bucket list” is a ride in the space shuttle. I want to see the earth from up there . . . ticket prices are coming down . . . last I heard, I can get a ride for $200,000.

By: Beth

Beth — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:32:11 +0000

Good lands Matthew. You know I want to be cremated too. Didn’t realize you’d been thinking of the fun you were going to have with the ashes… funny, but creepy. Great to talk to you, via comments on Lance’s website… (I think we need a date night.)

By: mattmc3

mattmc3 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:39:06 +0000

I’d like to be the guy who gets to launch your ashes into space! If all I have to do is aim a mini-urn with my 3 grams of Lance-dust in zero-g and jettison you towards Pluto, count me in! Of course, I’ll probably be a very an old man by then and unfit for space travel. Better start building an urn holder in a model rocket as a plan B…

By: HP

HP — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:19:13 +0000

Maybe when they get to each location, they also have to physically use (as opposed to just donating/writing a check) some money from your estate to help somebody in some noble/spiritual way and document it for the betterment/inspiration of the recipient, others who read about it, and themselves?

By: Lance

Lance — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:47:41 +0000

Vivian, I’m not sure that I understand … are you saying that the idea is nihilistic, that it’s without without objective meaning, reality, or purpose? Because it seems to me that it’s quite the opposite.

After pondering this a little more and reading the comments, however, I am starting to get the feeling that this idea seems pretty narcissistic. Perhaps this needs some re-thought and revision to better reflect the desire my heart has. Any ideas?

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:57:02 +0000

“Or playing football for the Detroit Lions come to think of it…”-Nathanial

As a Michigander I should be offended. But really, if I had to play for the Lions I would want to commit suicide as well. But I don’t think that’s the motive for spraying his ashes everywhere. Although, it could be a close second.

By: Ryan Hartsock

Ryan Hartsock — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:11:03 +0000

That’s awesome…love the idea!

By: Nathaniel

Nathaniel — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:13:17 +0000

It’s working the school system that gets to him. It has the effect of working for someone like Bill Gates… Or playing football for the Detroit Lions come to think of it…

By: HP

HP — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:44:12 +0000

if you are paying for the travel from your estate, SIGN ME UP!