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Full Idea
It is remarkable how much the life of this world has to be denigrated to make the promise of happiness after death appealing.
Gist of Idea
To make an afterlife appealing, this life has to be denigrated
Source
A.C. Grayling (What is Good? [2003], Ch.4)
Book Ref
Grayling,A.C.: 'What is Good? The Best Way to Live' [Phoenix 2003], p.77
A Reaction
This seems to be true of most religions, but it could be otherwise. Surely you want such a wonderful life to continue after death? But then you would not be obliged to do anything difficult to achieve immortality. Power comes into it...
| 7809 | In an honour code shame is the supreme punishment, and revenge is a duty [Grayling] |
| 7818 | In Greek mythology only heroes can go to heaven [Grayling] |
| 7819 | Religion gives answers, comforts, creates social order, and panders to superstition [Grayling] |
| 7817 | To make an afterlife appealing, this life has to be denigrated [Grayling] |
| 7823 | Lucretius was rediscovered in 1417 [Grayling] |
| 7824 | If suicide is lawful, but assisting suicide is unlawful, powerless people are denied their rights [Grayling] |