Once we are old enough (and mature enough) to understand the finality of death, we begin to consider the concept of remembrance. Early on, we are reassured that our family and close friends will remember us and, over time, come to understand that we are remembered for our unique skills, our personal traits and our impact on society as a whole (whether good or bad).
As adults, we might hope that failed relationships also foster remembrance while creative persons, whether they admit it or not, hope that their work will greatly expand the remembrance that they achieve.
Living on in the memories of others is the secular person's afterlife and knowing that their influence has been both personal and societal lessens their fear of death. Unfortunately, those who conclude that their life has been meaningless and/or unappreciated too often resort to violent acts as they bow out, ensuring that they will be remembered in the annals of history.
