Ben Okri: What do you believe happens when we die? — FLAPSS

The question

What do you believe happens when we die?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A recurring late-stage question in The Guardian Q&A, with materially different answers on publisher-hosted pages.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

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Ben Okri

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

We don’t die. We change realms. Life is eternal. Living is not. Live while you are alive.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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I think we go back into the earth.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 6 September 2025 source ↗

I will let you know when I find out.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 9 March 2024 source ↗

Neil Gaiman Author of fiction, comics and screenplays

I like the idea of being atoms that other people can breathe in, and fabulous worm food.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 October 2023 source ↗

When my kids ask, “What happens when we die?” I say, “Do you remember the place you were in before you were born? I think we go back there.”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 January 2025 source ↗

More from Ben Okri

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Question What worries you about getting older? Time & hindsight

Not being there for my daughter.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

On a train journey to Arcadia many years ago while making a TV documentary.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

Question Excluding property, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought? Money & investment

A Dalí painting.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

Question As a child, what career or life did you imagine for yourself? Identity & self

Composer, pirate, scientist, philosopher.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

Question What is the worst job you have ever had? Craft & work

Looking after the flowerbed on my windowsill.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

Question Which trait in yourself do you like least? Identity & self

Worrying at things.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 11 July 2026 source ↗

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