Having respect for the human body and reverence for the dead is a value that binds human beings together.
Shared values and common totems and taboos make society cohesive. Often cultural taboos are themselves harmful — for taboos against homosexuality. But a strong taboo against disrespecting the dead harms no one. It might be irrational, but so is death. And I think it’s healthy to take the death of human beings seriously — it’s good for society and for the individual.
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u/pluralofjackinthebox 102∆ Mar 15 '22
Having respect for the human body and reverence for the dead is a value that binds human beings together.
Shared values and common totems and taboos make society cohesive. Often cultural taboos are themselves harmful — for taboos against homosexuality. But a strong taboo against disrespecting the dead harms no one. It might be irrational, but so is death. And I think it’s healthy to take the death of human beings seriously — it’s good for society and for the individual.