Kathryn Mannix: What happens as we die? | TED Talk

In this TED talk, palliative care expert Kathryn Mannix describes the typical process of a human being dying from old age. Typically, as an aging person approaches death, they will sleep more, and while they are sleeping, they may be completely unconscious with no brain activity other than that which controls their heartbeat and breathing. They may either awaken from that state or simply stop breathing while in that state. According to Mannix, people who have awakened from that state of unconsciousness often describe having had a very pleasant sleep.

Although this video just scratches the surface, I think it's important for effective altruists to understand the physiology and subjective experience of dying across a range of scenarios, so that we can reduce suffering in a sentient being's final moments. Also, understanding what will eventually happen to us as individuals can help us prepare and be happier and less afraid in the face of it.