For thousands of years, we have buried our dead in boxes and tombs, denying the Earth of use of our useless dead bodies as a natural resource the Earth can use. Why?
For thousands of years, we have buried our dead in boxes and tombs, denying the Earth of use of our useless dead bodies as a natural resource the Earth can use. Why?
We tell God what to do and then blame Him for our errors.
- Dr. Pet Dragon of Sorbonne University
It originally began out of pride, then it became part of religion (egypt) then it became part of attempt to honor the righteous among the dead. (Israel) then it became a need to not spread diseases (black plague) then it became pride again (enlightenment era) and now its out of false/suicidal empathy of the left (1900's to now)
I could be wrong about a few details. But in general its because of feelings, and sometimes not spreading diseases
Burying the dead is considered a good practice because it provides emotional closure for the living, honors the deceased through ritual, and fulfills many religious and cultural obligations. From a practical standpoint, it prevents decomposition odors and the spread of disease, and it allows for a permanent, physical resting place that serves as a memorial.
Hmmmmmmm.
Odd thought Faux.
I would suggest that the duration of the Earth event incorporates all aspects of ongoing Earth based events.
Just as the Sun incorporates all aspects of the Solar event.
And if one day we should exceed the solar system, we would be incorporated into the wider galactic and universal events.
No real hiding in boxes and tombs, here on this tiny speck of cosmic dust.
Yep evolved culturalism.
Decay and recycling works fine though.
-- > @ melcharaz
We're where we are at.
Which doesn't prevent the spread of micro-organisms in the slightest.
In fact, probably greatly assists the spread of micro-organisms.
Best solution would be controlled bacterial digestion of soft tissues, mechanical processing of bone, and incorporation into the top soil as a soil improver.
Honour, pride, righteousness and false left wing empathy is just made up stuff.
Humans are dumb. they use bunch of resources for pointless things.
Well Lucy.
Everything is either pointless or it isn't.
Do you know the actual answer?
Until maybe a hundred years ago people were buried in wooden boxes, which would themselves decompose.
On a psychological level, it's to imbue man with a special dignity by drawing a distinction between us and other organisms that get torn apart by predators, chewed up, digested, crapped out as fertilizer, etc. A human cadaver is to be untouched for as long as possible, and this is taken as a mark of respect not reserved for animals. The fostering of this mindset was a crucial step in the development of humanistic thought.
In general, belief systems that practice cremation rather than burial blur the distinction between humans and beasts. Which makes sense if you believe in reincarnation, for example. You were some animal prior to being born as a human, and will be again after death. One notable exception is the Zoroastrians, who believe in the eternal human soul but dispose of corpses in a manner that would shock modern observers.
Traditionally, Zoroastrians dispose of corpses by placing them in dakhmas, or "Towers of Silence," where they are exposed to the elements and consumed by carrion birds. This practice is designed to prevent the pollution of sacred natural elements like the earth, water, and fire. In modern times, particularly in Western countries, Zoroastrians have increasingly opted for other methods like cremation or burial due to practicality or illegality.