What seems funny/odd is the reality that both those who believe in "nothing" and those who believe in "something" are often fear-driven... either they are afraid of "going to nothing," or they are afraid of "not really knowing" where and what the afterlife is.

So I think your point about fear of the unknown is pretty spot on; most humans deal poorly with the idea of not-knowing. Just look at everyday life; how reluctant people are to "not have the answer" and how intensely they are willing to run and spin their wheels in service of "finding out."

But yeah, death is often interesting food for thought!

=^..^=