[Zone-MR]

Cactus - sad as it is, I'm pretty sure you are right.

Here's my take.

We know that the brain is the origin of our memories, our thoughts, our dreams. Our brain is essentially responsible for who we are.

What happens when the brain is damaged? Without the memories of our past mistakes, we would be inclinded to repeat them. Without the knowledge we have acquired over the years, we would lose our stances, opinions, and viewpoints. Without recollection of the moments we shared with our close ones, we would lose all feelings towards them.

Our personality is a product of our memory and our thoughts. Once the knowledge of my past is gone, along with my ability to think coherently, I am no longer 'me'.

At some point, before the full cessation of all biological functions, our brains are already dead or dying. Sometimes it's gradual and can be observed - the elderly often lose their vitallity and characteristic traits long before they physically stop breathing. In other cases it's sudden - an accident or heart failure cuts off the oxygen supply to your brain, and seconds later your character is irrecoverably erased.

We often believe what we'd like to believe. It seems comforting to feel that death is not the end. I'm not that sure. Even if our 'spirit' could live on after our body dies, would we really want it to? Would you still be you? The 'you' at age 90, who can no longer think coherently, and has lost most recollection of the adventure and love they felt in their youth? Or the 'you' back when you were 5, full of vitality and an open mind, but without the wisdom of the years?