The Hidden Truths of the Human Condition: Death, Emojis, and Modern Mummies

Our world is filled with countless mysteries and hidden truths that often remain concealed from our daily lives. From the ancient art of using emojis, to the unspoken realities of human remains and the impact of our modern psyche, these topics offer profound insights into the human experience.

Emojis: A Journey Through Time

Most people take emojis for granted, using them in their daily digital interactions and social media posts. However, few know how these iconic symbols looked when they were first introduced in Japan. The origins of emojis reveal an evolution that mirrors the growth of digital communication. Explore the rich history of emojis, and discover how they have transformed our communication and the way we express ourselves online.

The Weirdest Truths About Human Nature

Humans maintain complex and often inconsistent biases in their preferences and actions. One such observation is that men often accept uneducated or unattractive women for the companionship of sex, while women may choose black men for economic stability. However, modern society recognizes the gods of idealism and accepts individuals based on their true nature rather than theoretical expectations.

Seeing Dead People and the Modern Psyche

I often interact with the dead, which is more common than one might imagine. For decades, I have encountered numerous deceased individuals. The frequency of such encounters is far greater than what most people acknowledge, especially for those in professions dealing with death, such as the medical field.

However, the modern world has largely sanitized the concept of death and decay. While this sanitization often removes the fear of death, it also makes death seem more foreign and thus more frightening. The real world is often depicted through the lens of horror movies and video games, which lack the raw reality of human remains. Exposure to corpses can instill a humility and an understanding of mortality, which is something our ancestors recognized through the concept of memento mori.

The Ritual of Seeing the Dead in the Modern Mummies of Papua New Guinea

The Modern Mummies of Papua New Guinea offer a fascinating example of how cultures interact with death and the deceased. Unlike other cultures that revere dead bodies as sacred, the modern mummies in Papua New Guinea serve as a ritualistic and educational reminder of the end that awaits us all. These mummies, preserved through natural mummification, are placed in a special type of grave.

The graves, often constructed with local flora and placed under the ground, symbolically connect the living with the dead. This practice not only helps in preserving the memories of the deceased but also provides a sobering reminder for the living. It is a reminder that death is a natural and inevitable part of life, fostering a sense of humility and compassion among the community.

Those in the grocer's line today may be a leader in corporate America or Wall Street, but in their final days, they are reduced to the point where they need assistance with the most basic tasks. This stark contrast serves as a wake-up call to the fleeting nature of our achievements and the inevitability of death.

The Separation of Reality
The separation between the living and the dead, often created through sanitization and limited exposure, can create a fear of death that is not necessary. Our ancestors understood the importance of acknowledging this inevitability and instilled this concept through memento mori. By recognizing and accepting our own mortality, we may face death with a more peaceful and meaningful attitude.

In summary, our modern sanitization and lack of exposure to human remains have created a psychological separation from death and decay. This separation often perpetuates fear and misunderstanding. By embracing the concept of memento mori and finding common ground with the deceased, we may overcome our fear of death and live with a greater awareness of our own mortality. The practices of modern mummies in Papua New Guinea offer a unique perspective on how to confront and accept the end of life.

About the Author: Through his work, the author shares insights and stories that highlight the complexities of human nature and the impact of death. His experiences in various fields, including obstetrics and neonatology, have provided him with a wealth of knowledge that he uses to explore these themes.

Explore the History of Emojis

Emojis were first created in Japan in the mid-1990s as a way to add emotional tone to electronic communications. Initially, they were simple, monochrome characters that are now vibrant and colorful. The first emojis included basic symbols like the sun, moon, and smiley face. Over time, the design and functionality of emojis have evolved to include a wide range of emotions and actions, such as faces, objects, and even animals. Today, emojis are a fundamental part of digital communication, used in messaging apps, social media platforms, and even in written correspondence.

Emojis have become a universal language, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. They allow people to convey emotions, tone, and reactions more effectively and efficiently. However, their evolution is interesting, as the original purpose was much simpler and more serious in nature.

For a detailed look at the history and evolution of emojis, see the following resources.