What do you want to be buried with? | Dr. Jennifer Riley | TEDxAberdeen
AI Summary
In this insightful talk, the speaker reflects on their lifelong fascination with death, which began at the age of seven during a school project on ancient Egypt. They explore the concept of ‘grave goods’—the items we leave with our deceased loved ones—and draw parallels between ancient and contemporary practices. The speaker shares personal anecdotes about their mother’s preferences for burial items, emphasizing the emotional significance of these objects in preserving identity and memories. They argue that grave goods help us navigate the complexities of grief by softening the impact of loss, facilitating acceptance of death, and allowing a part of the deceased to live on through us. Ultimately, this talk serves as a reminder to engage with discussions about death openly and thoughtfully, encouraging preparation and connection with loved ones.