The question you're raising touches on the philosophical and existential aspects of life and death, which have puzzled thinkers for centuries. It's completely natural to find the concept of nonexistence after death difficult to grasp, as it challenges our innate sense of self and consciousness. Let's explore some perspectives to help shed light on this topic:
Biological Perspective: Consciousness is a product of the complex interactions of neurons and brain activity. When a person dies, these processes cease, leading to the end of consciousness. It's comparable to turning off a computer; once it's powered down, it can no longer process information or run programs.
The Nature of Experience: Conscious experience is a product of the brain and body working together. When the brain stops functioning, the person's ability to experience also ceases. It's important to remember that consciousness is an emergent property of the brain, and without the functioning brain, consciousness cannot persist.
Time Perception: The concept of "forever" is a challenging one to comprehend because our brains are wired to perceive time in a linear and limited way. However, when we cease to exist after death, we no longer experience the passage of time or anything else. It is difficult for us to truly grasp the concept of nonexistence since we are always experiencing existence, but this does not negate the possibility of it happening.
Personal Identity: Our sense of self is closely tied to our consciousness. When we die, the continuity of this personal identity is interrupted, and our experiences, thoughts, and feelings are no longer present because there is no longer a "self" to experience them.
The Infinite Past: Just as we didn't exist before we were born, it is postulated that after death, we return to a state of nonexistence. This state was our default state for an infinite amount of time before our birth, and it is not experienced as time or consciousness.
While these perspectives might not fully satisfy the emotional aspects of grappling with mortality, they offer some insights into how nonexistence after death is possible from a logical and scientific standpoint. The idea of no longer experiencing life and consciousness can be challenging, but many find solace and purpose in the time they do have, living their lives to the fullest and making a positive impact on others and the world around them. Each individual's beliefs and perspectives on life, death, and the afterlife are personal and subject to change and development over time. It can be beneficial to seek support from friends, family, or even professional counseling to discuss these thoughts and emotions as you navigate this new perspective as an atheist.