#21: The Afterlife of Our Earthly Vessels
We've all had that morbid conversation with friends or family - what do you want to happen to your body after you die? For some, the response is a casual shrug and an "I don't care, I'll be dead." For others, it's a deeply personal decision shaped by cultural, religious, or environmental beliefs, even a chance for one final adventure.
The main options are fairly straightforward: burial, cremation, or donating your body to science or for organ transplants. But the reasons behind each choice are as diverse as humanity itself.
Take me, for instance. When I shuffle off this mortal coil, I want to be cremated and have my ashes distributed among seven urns. Each urn will come with $5,000, and I'd like seven people – friends, family, or adventurous souls found by my lawyer – to use that money to travel to a different continent and scatter my ashes somewhere meaningful to them. It's my way of funding one last trip for those I leave behind, a little "bon voyage" from beyond the grave.
That's just one example of the myriad ways people are reimagining the final farewell. Let's look at some broader trends: according to the National Funeral Directors Association, in 2021, 37.7% of Americans chose cremation, 54.8% opted for burial, and 7.5% donated their bodies to medical science. However, the cremation rate has been steadily rising, projected to reach 81.4% by 2045.
For many, the choice is driven by tradition and family values. Burial has been the norm for centuries, allowing families to have a physical place to grieve and visit their loved ones. The ritual of laying a body to rest can provide a sense of closure and respect for the deceased.
On the other hand, cremation has gained popularity due to its environmental and financial advantages. With burial plots becoming increasingly scarce and expensive (the average cost of a funeral with burial is over $7,000), cremation offers a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative. Additionally, the ability to scatter ashes, keep them in an urn, or even incorporate them into unique memorials like jewelry or artificial reefs appeals to those who desire a more personal or unconventional remembrance.
Then there are those who choose to donate their bodies to medical science, a selfless act that can further our understanding of the human body and help train future doctors and researchers. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, one organ donor can save up to eight lives, while a donor's tissues can enhance the lives of up to 75 others.
Why do opinions differ so vastly? Perhaps it's because death is one of the few universal experiences that we all face, yet it's also deeply personal and shaped by our individual beliefs, values, and cultures.
As science and technology advance, we may explore even more unique and creative ways to handle our bodily remains after death. Imagine a world where your body could be transformed into a biodegradable "tree pod," allowing you to become part of a lush, living memorial forest that your loved ones can visit and find solace in. Or envision your remains being compressed into a diamond, creating a tangible, lasting keepsake for your family to cherish. Advancements in biotechnology could potentially allow your body to be converted into an energy source, powering a small community or even a favorite place, symbolizing your enduring contribution to the world.
Alternatively, your remains might be transformed into a bioluminescent memorial sculpture, illuminating gardens or public spaces with a gentle, ethereal glow. These futuristic methods not only offer eco-friendly and unconventional options but also reflect our innate human desire to leave a meaningful, lasting legacy – reminding the living that even in death, we can continue to make our mark on the world in ways as unique as our fingerprints.
Some argue that the government should step in and impose regulations or laws regarding body disposition, similar to laws governing same-sex marriage or abortion rights. However, others view such a move as an infringement on personal autonomy and freedom of choice during one of life's most profound moments.
In the end, the decision of what to do with our bodies after we die is a highly personal one, reflecting our values, traditions, and practical considerations. Whether we choose to be buried, cremated, or donate our bodies to science – or even fund a globetrotting ash-scattering adventure – the choice is a final act of self-expression and a lasting legacy for those we leave behind.
