Main Argument - Science indicates a lack of hard evidence for the existence of ghosts, contrasting with Eastern cultures where ghosts are considered real and integrated into daily life [1] - Western cultures exhibit consistent "ghost tropes" like deathbed companions, warnings against danger, comforters in crisis, and crisis apparitions, suggesting a psychological or cultural phenomenon [1][2] - The study of death (thantology) reveals a cultural reluctance to discuss death, yet a deep human need to share stories and experiences related to it [2][3][4][5] Near-Death Awareness (NDA) - Dying individuals sometimes experience visions of people who are not present, a phenomenon known as nearing death awareness (NDA) [6] - Patterns in NDA include seeing strangers initially, progressing to old friends and family as death approaches, with the appearance of a spouse often indicating imminent death [9] - The dying often use metaphors to express their impending departure, drawing on concepts like passports, airport gates, and hotels [8][10] Regrets of the Dying - Regret, rather than death itself, is what often haunts dying individuals [14] - Common regrets include working too hard, lacking the courage to express true feelings, and maintaining inauthentic relationships [16][17] - The speaker encourages listeners to live authentically, make plans, and create space for sharing stories, even uncomfortable ones [18][19] - 15% of men and 10% of women never reach retirement age [17]