While the fear of dying or death is universal it certainly does not mean you have a phobia! The type of phobia you refer to is different than what the author meant, I believe. That would be classified as Thantophobia or Thanatophobia and not Nercrophobia, however, no phobia is DUMB. We are all afraid of something we have no control over but to have an actual phobia is a matter of degree.

Phobias do not live in your logical mind. Rather they exist in the irrational fear of something which the mind cannot control. People who live with phobias are aware of this if they are ready to face that fear. It often takes months and years to overcome some of them. When I worked for T.W.A. therapists who work with phobia would bring 20-25 "passengers" on board just to sit in the seats of an airplane! They were never to leave the ground but what went on there was heartbreaking for some of those people. They shook, they shivered, they white knuckled their arm rests, they buried their heads in their hands or into the seat in front of them. It was quite sad and utterly mind boggling to watch this.

May you never feel the panic people with phobias truly feel while trying to overcome these things. No, it's not dumb...not at all. What is dumb is that some people haven't the capacity for empathy needed in these matters. And yes, I am afraid to die...the thing is, is that I suffer no irrational fears because of it.

"Anyone who isn't afraid of dying is either lying or delusional."

That's a pretty bold statement that you made there, but I don't think that's a fair argument because it's impossible to prove (short of learning of EVERY human being on the earth). I'm sure that there are people that have no (or very little) fear of death. I know it was really a children's novel, but I feel like quoting Rowling when she wrote, "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure." Personally, I believe this to be true. Why are we so afraid of dying? We cease to live, and life carries on... so what? That's honestly how I feel about death. Yes, I'd definitely PREFER to live because then I can experience things. Something is better than nothing. But IF I died, what would I have to be scared of?

Keep in mind that I'm separating dying (as a whole) and the process of death (involving the failure of the body or whatever the cause is). I'm concerned only with dying.

Of all the groups I've witnessed in my (admittedly short) life, I'd say that the religious generally have the least fear of death. Note that by religious, I mean logically religious (not the zealous followers who accept everything thrown at them without question). Of course, I speak only from my limited personal observations, but I think I could list one or two people who genuinely seem not to care at all for death.

I realize now that I'm answering the main topic question instead of arguing against what you just wrote. So my answer to your question can really be found in the first 2 sentences of the second paragraph. Furthermore...

"It's a very important survival mechanism, fear of death."

I don't think that's REALLY so relevant. Or at least, it's not absolute. It's like saying that wanting to eat other animals is an important survival mechanism (and therefore absolute). It's helpful, but it's possible to overcome that desire and to live without eating animals (vegetarianism). Likewise, it's fully possible to live without a fear of death. Sure, it's more LIKELY that you'll die, but it's still possible.

--RandomX2

P.S.: I know, I didn't really argue my side too clearly. But this is all opinions, so I can't be absolute with this. Or perhaps I can, but I really need to sleep...

Ah, who am I kidding? More posting!

Uriel Sebree (1848–1922) was a career officer in the United States Navy. He entered the Naval Academy during the Civil War and served until 1910, retiring as a rear admiral. He is best remembered for his two expeditions into the Arctic and for serving as the second acting governor of American Samoa

Uriel Sebree (1848–1922) was a career officer in the United States Navy. He entered the Naval Academy during the Civil War and served until 1910, retiring as a rear admiral. He is best remembered for his two expeditions into the Arctic and for serving as the second acting governor of American Samoa

Uriel Sebree (1848–1922) was a career officer in the United States Navy. He entered the Naval Academy during the Civil War and served until 1910, retiring as a rear admiral. He is best remembered for his two expeditions into the Arctic and for serving as the second acting governor of American Samoa

Uriel Sebree (1848–1922) was a career officer in the United States Navy. He entered the Naval Academy during the Civil War and served until 1910, retiring as a rear admiral. He is best remembered for his two expeditions into the Arctic and for serving as the second acting governor of American Samoa

Scary- dieing in your sleep, the idea of not waking up? No- I'd much rather be fully aware & awake when I die.