The only certain thing in life is that it will one day end. That knowledge is perhaps the defining feature of the human condition. And, as far as we know, we alone are capable of contemplating the prospect of our demise. In these articles we explore the implications: the shifting definition of death, how knowing that we will die gave birth to civilisation, the grim reality of decomposition and whether it makes sense to fear death. But first, when did we become aware of our own mortality?
HUMAN EVOLUTION:Â The evolution of funerals
When did our ancestors become aware of their own mortality? The answer may help us understand the origin of our unique way of life, says Graham Lawton
DEFINITION: The blurred line between dead and alive
Itâs now easier than ever to be declared dead â even when youâre still moving, sweating, and thereâs blood pumping around your body
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: Why we should be grateful for death
Congratulations â as a human, you know youâre going to die. Thatâs why youâve learned some impressive cultural and psychological techniques to cope
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DECOMPOSITION: The natural history of corpses
The human bodyâs final journey might not be pretty but at least it is eventful. Have your fill of the gruesome facts of decay and disintegration
PHILOSOPHY: Donât fear the reaper
Most of us are afraid of death, but it doesnât make sense, says philosopher Shelly Kagan
EDITORIAL: Memento mori – itâs time we reinvented death
The knowledge that we will die profoundly shapes our lives â but the nature of death itself is elusive and changeable
Read more about death:
- UK roadsides could become burial grounds as graveyards are filling up
- Oldest woman ever or impostor? The controversial case of Calment
- Brains from pigs can be partially revived after death
- Tree rings reveal plague hit medieval Europeâs construction industry
- Special report: Cheating death
- Selected quotes from some of the worldâs greatest writers and thinkers, on death
- The Big Questions: What happens after you die?
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