In light of the changing perceptions surrounding death, how do you view the modern relationship with mortality? Joanna Ebenstein, in her recent reflections, shares insights into how the contemporary era has reshaped our understanding.

For many in the industrialized, affluent west, death was often an abstract notion—something distant and removed from everyday life—until the Covid pandemic brought it closer to home. Joanna notes that this detachment from death represents an anomaly in human history. Can you elaborate on how you think this luxurious perception of death has changed over time?

Ebenstein contrasts our current views with those of the 19th century, where death was a daily reality. Life expectancy was around 40 years, and it was common for children to die before reaching adulthood. She points out that people often handled death at home, surrounded by family. How do you think these past practices around death shape our understanding of family dynamics and communal support during mourning?

She highlights a “good death” in the 19th century as one spent at home, surrounded by loved ones, before the rise of hospices and hospitals changed these customs. The body would be cared for by family, and mourning was a public affair, marked by specific cultural practices. What impact do you believe these communal mourning rituals have on the grieving process compared to the individualistic approaches we see today?

As societal changes unfolded in the late 19th into the early 20th centuries, many began to pass away in hospitals, with funeral homes taking over the care of the deceased. This shift distanced individuals from the intimate experiences surrounding death. What are your thoughts on how professionalization of death care affects societal attitudes toward mourning?

Joanna suggests that as death became scientifically explained, it lost its mystical elements, shifting from religion and mythology to medical discourse. In her view, science offers facts but lacks the meaning often sought in the context of death. How do you think this scientific perspective impacts people’s understanding of their own mortality?

Ebenstein argues that our ancestors connected life and death through myth and religion, which gave them answers when faced with mortality. In contrast, she notes that modern life often lacks this framework. Do you think that modern society is experiencing a crisis of meaning in relation to death?

Interestingly, Joanna posits that scientific materialism may serve as a modern myth, reducing consciousness to mere biological processes, and suggesting that death marks an absolute end. As someone who values the truths expressed through both science and myth, how do you reconcile these two viewpoints in your own life?

In her book “Memento Mori,” Joanna offers a 12-week program to help individuals explore their beliefs about death. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and redefining one’s own narrative surrounding mortality. What do you think is the significance of personal reflection when it comes to forming a belief system about death?

Ebenstein’s prompts encourage people to articulate their earliest memories of death, their family’s attitudes, associations, and thoughts on what constitutes a “good death.” In your opinion, how can grappling with these questions lead to a more meaningful engagement with life itself?

Ultimately, Joanna concludes that many of us are tasked with creating our own beliefs about death in a world where traditional narratives no longer suffice. How can individuals take on the endeavor of crafting a personal myth around death that resonates with their own experiences and values?