Caitlin Doughty’s “From Here to Eternity” is an exploration into the history, science and cultures of death, death practices, and our fear and understanding of mortality. Doughty’s clever writing style and her depth of knowledge make for a truly unique and informative read that leads the reader through an exploration of life after death.
“From Here to Eternity” begins with an exploration of humanity’s relationship to death. We are surrounded by death and the idea of mortality, but many of us are crippled by our fear of it. In the first part of the book, Doughty looks into the history of death and how the ways we interact with death have changed over time. She examines various practices and beliefs related to death, from funerary rituals of the ancient Egyptians to the modern obsession with youth and beauty. Doughty also explores how different societies have come up with customs and traditions to cope with death, such as the Day of the Dead in Latin America or the Japanese tradition of sutras.
The second part of the book dives into the science of death and life after death. Here, Doughty examines the realities of post-mortem decomposition and explores the properties of death, including the evolution of different species and how life can return from a seemingly death-like state. She also delves into the possibilities of life after physical death, such as an afterlife or the idea of reincarnation.
The third part of the book looks into the cultural practices and taboos surrounding death. Doughty examines various death rituals from various cultures and looks into the different physical and emotional responses people have to death. She also explores the reasons why certain cultures might have certain practices and taboos regarding death.
Throughout the book, Doughty ties together her own personal accounts and stories with her research, creating an engaging and thoughtful book. From Here to Eternity offers an interesting and comprehensive look into the very real and complex aspects of death, and how these impact our lives.
Overall, Caitlin Doughty’s “From Here to Eternity” is an informative and entertaining look into the history, science, and cultures of death. Combining Doughty's personal stories with her extensive research, the book makes for a unique and fascinating exploration of an often overlooked topic. It is highly recommended for those looking for a better understanding of death and mortality, and for anyone interested in learning more about the customs and beliefs surrounding it.
