Life and Death: A Cosmic Perspective from Neil deGrasse Tyson

An excerpt from Neil's book 'Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization.' Should we live forever? What happens to us after we die? What is the statistical probability of being alive? Tyson exercises mathematical prowess and scientific eloquence to grapple with questions that have plagued humankind since its humble beginnings. Taking a cosmic perspective on civilization not only helps us understand where we are but shows us the path forward.

FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk:

About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

[TheOicyu]

"I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.“ — Mark Twain

[mrsnufflekins]

I have been crying for over an hour and a half now thinking about nothingness and the end of my experience. But this video helped me feel a little happier about just how lucky we are to be here. Anyone who reads this, I'm glad you're alive. And I am glad to have joined you all in experiencing reality as we know it.

Edit: I am doing much better. I think I have a very positive outlook on things now. I hope you guys are all doing well. Thanks for everything you guys said, I appreciate it. Have a wonderful life, everyone.

Edit 2: I am genuinely happy. I'm keeping positive, staying busy, and having a blast with life right now. Thank you guys for all the nice comments, and even to the people giving their religious takes on the matter. I still stand by what I said, I'm glad you guys are alive and it's a great privelege to share in this human experience with everyone.

[ultimatememe]

"Don't be sad that it will end, be happy that it happened". I think this quote perfectly encapsulates life.

[IwasInThes]

I am approximately the same age as Neil. In the early 1960s, when I was a young child, I was very scared of "ghosts". One day I complained to my grandmother (born in the 1880s) how scared I am of ghosts. She looked at me strangely and then said: " do you know how many people have ever lived? If all of them had become ghosts, you would be walking into a ghost every minute of the day." I have never been afraid of ghosts since.😅😅

[petruccifanboi]

My grandma said this before passing away : “ I am right here within you all when you need me. Death is to this body that has grown old but I am within you all my children when you need me”. I love my grandma ❤️

[amolian]

I find myself in a situation where depression has taken over me, but this video has made me feel. thanks

[theironknight]

Something very calming about this video. We are all in this together, and I hope you all find some purpose and happiness in your time here. What a gift it is to have lived and to live.

[baltimoreravens]

Just started the book earlier this week and that along with this video are exactly what I've been looking for. There is something profound about the idea of the "meaning of life" not having to be something complex or a big mystery. Perhaps just realizing that you're here and living and experiencing LIFE is what it's all about.

[SILVERBKS]

I been struggling with depression and scientific facts bring me peace, thank you Neil, you are a blessing an a good role model

[joemonroeartistvloger]

What a beautiful explanation on dying! I love the fact that we don’t ask why we aren’t alive before we are born. I have a terminal disease and I’ve accompanied so much and made my footprint and I’m not afraid of dying. I believe we are spirits having a human experience.

[BuchananBrandon]

This was the calmest, nicest existential dread I've experienced. Thank you.

[ryanbard]

This is so spot on and absolutely brilliant. I’ve not seen a video that captures a breakthrough at such a comprehensively in-tuned level so accurately. Even so much of the auditory stuff is spot on, particularly the high-pitched tonal shifts and wobbles.

Thanks for your amazing work!

[isaacmartinez]

All these timelines, and yet I get to witness Neil and all of his greatness

[danielbalboa]

I have carried several caskets on my shoulders of family members who meant so much to me...in their passing I started to understand the true meaning of life...it shook me to my core and brought me closer to my wife...my family...life is short guys ..make the best of it...god bless you all

[catherinefilipowski]

Of all the wonderful and varied things I've watched or read in 60 years. I think this is the most important. Thank you Dr. Tyson. ❤

[SeaTurtle]

I concider myself a science based person. But I do believe there is a spiritual realm in life that science can not disprove.

[taswellmatroos]

This made me so sad in a way that I realised all the loved ones passed on along the way, they are just a memory in my mind now 😢I’ll never be able to speak, laugh, hug or hear their voice ever, ever again 😢 yet I’m happy I had them as part of my life 😊 I love you guys forever ❤

[dannysquarepnts]

Im not a very emotional man or anything but I’ve been dealing with depression for a while and while listening to this I just started crying, this was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever listened to and just thank you

[hko]

Death is what what we return to before we were alive. No conciousness. You won’t even know you’re “dead”.

[smolboi]

Dr.Tyson, you have given me a realization. I now understand the value of life, from now, I will try my best to live life to the fullest and when I am very old, I will look back at my days and think to myself, "it was fun, I thank god for giving me this opportunity, to live this amazing life of no regrets, I am grateful for this"
i am 15 years old right now and haha i regret not doing some things i wish i had done differently, but why care if i can't change it.
i feel greatful for today and from now on i will do it, i will enjoy life and spread positivity, i will be greatful for my parents, who have made sure that i would not be in any pain or hunger
i aspire to be like you, thank you for this doctor,