Discussion » Questions » Death and Dying » If forced to choose, would you rather know the date of your death or the cause of your death?

If forced to choose, would you rather know the date of your death or the cause of your death?

I’d personally rather know the date so that I could just enjoy the time I have knowing when the inevitable would happen. If it were sooner than I wanted, I would prioritize my goals, and if it were later than expected, I’d just continue down the same path I am already on. 

Posted - January 18, 2020

Responses


  • Definitely rather know the cause, I couldn‘t handle knowing the date. 
      January 18, 2020 9:41 AM MST
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  • 46117
    I was hoping.

    I was hoping you got over your fear of death.  

    But I guess that is what happens to people who have no ability to relate to the value of other's lives.

    What if it happened to you?  What if someone captured you and tortured you and killed you?  Would you be as thrilled for them as you would to do it yourself?  

    I think we were at that episode in the conversation when last we met.

    I pity you.  For real.  
      January 18, 2020 9:46 AM MST
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  • 783
    I’m not afraid of death. Also, who said anything about torture? 
      January 18, 2020 10:08 AM MST
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  • 46117
    You did.  On here.  Two years ago.  Did you change?  I'm so glad.  I'm thrilled.  I hope that means that was a bad joke.  There were dozens of questions regarding torture and I have chatted with you.  

    I have a good memory.  You were charming and lovely to look at, but as I recall, you were enamoured of torturng and killing someone.  

    I will pretend you are normal if that is what you wish.   This post was edited by WM BARR . =ABSOLUTE TRASH at January 18, 2020 10:11 AM MST
      January 18, 2020 10:09 AM MST
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  • 783
    I still like those things, as a fantasy purely. 
      January 18, 2020 10:10 AM MST
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  • 46117
    Are you still married?  


      January 18, 2020 7:53 PM MST
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  • 783
    Yep! And we just bought a house this summer. I have a full time professor job and I finished my doctorate. Life is good. How have you been? 
      January 18, 2020 7:54 PM MST
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  • 783
    Sharonna, I missed you! I hope you have some fond memories of me too. : )
      January 18, 2020 11:31 AM MST
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  • I would rather not know either.  That would certainly alter or limit our enjoyment of what life we do have.  If I had to choose, I'd pick the cause of death .. but then I'd probably spend all my time trying to change that instead of other things I could have been doing.
      January 18, 2020 10:17 AM MST
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  • 783
    I’d wonder if it would be like one of those movies where if you try to change the cause, you end up causing it inadvertently. 
      January 18, 2020 10:20 AM MST
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  • Hmmm.  Interesting.  I didn't think about it that way.  
      January 19, 2020 2:48 AM MST
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  • I'd rather date before I die.
      January 18, 2020 11:29 AM MST
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  • 2219
    Consult a Sicilian actuary. 
      January 18, 2020 11:33 AM MST
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  • 1500
    Ha, I figured only one person could have asked this -- Welcome back, Ondine!

    I'd much prefer to know the time. It's said that people who ask about it end up regretting it; but knowing only the cause, in case it's an unnatural one, would make me more nervous whenever a similar situation were to arise.

    ... You won't abuse that information, will you?
      January 18, 2020 11:38 AM MST
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  • 783
    I totally agree, Danilo. Good to see you again! I won’t abuse this info, I promise. : )
      January 18, 2020 11:40 AM MST
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  • 13395
    Hello Ondine! Long time no see. I think i'd prefer to know the cause of my death rather than the date. Knowing the date of my dental appointments is already scary enough for me. 
      January 18, 2020 11:47 AM MST
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  • 783
    Haha. Hi, Kittygate! 
      January 18, 2020 11:50 AM MST
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  • 46117
    That takes all the fun out of life.   That's why people die.  When they know they have no chance to change a thing.    I think knowing such things would make me crazy and old.  I don't need to know.  I don't even like reading reviews that my clients give.  I don't want to know and I don't want to be influenced by such things.  
     
      January 18, 2020 7:58 PM MST
    1

  • 783
    I wouldn’t want to know either, but that would make this question too easy. 
      January 18, 2020 8:02 PM MST
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  • 53509

      The date. 

    ~
      January 18, 2020 10:39 PM MST
    1