fun fact: the amygdala (brain’s fear center) emits the same response when asking the questions “do I matter” and “am I safe” this really stands out to me, as it draws a chemical analogy between physical and mental existence / death, and the equivalence in value it places on both
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interesting - this makes me think of existential questions as ones resulting from "targeted loneliness" ie not being / feeling seen in some area in life that is important or valuable to you
What comes to mind is an astronaut tugging on the oxygen line waiting for a response. That line is both the source of existential fear as well as a feeling of connection & safety. The conflicted existence is uniquely human since animals don't distinguish body/mind death.
