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You've probably pondered your options after death – burial? Cremation? But have you considered becoming a permanent, educational exhibit? That's precisely what Jeremy Bentham, the 19th-century English philosopher and co-founder of utilitarianism, chose!
Crash Course, the educational YouTube channel known for its engaging deep dives into history, philosophy, and more, recently released a fascinating "Recess" episode about Bentham's unusual afterlife. Let's explore why Bentham decided to turn himself into what he called an "Auto-Icon."
Utilitarianism: The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
Bentham's life and afterlife were deeply intertwined with his philosophical beliefs. Utilitarianism, in a nutshell, argues that the best action is the one that maximizes happiness and well-being for the most people. Bentham believed that sentience – the ability to feel pleasure or pain – was the key factor in ethical considerations.
A Corpse with a Purpose
Since the dead can't feel pain, Bentham reasoned, their bodies don't deserve the same moral consideration as the living. But he didn't want his body to go to waste. True to his utilitarian principles, he saw an opportunity to make even his death beneficial.
In his will, Bentham left detailed instructions for his friend and devoted follower to preserve his body and put it on display at University College London. He believed this act would serve as a powerful reminder of his values and continue to educate people long after he was gone.
The Auto-Icon: A Legacy in Glass
Bentham's vision was, well, unique. He requested his head be preserved using a mummification technique he believed was practiced by the Maori people of New Zealand (it wasn't entirely successful, but more on that later). He also wanted his body dissected for educational purposes, a practice that was illegal at the time.
Once his "soft parts" had served their purpose, Bentham wanted his skeleton and (hopefully) preserved head displayed in a glass case – his Auto-Icon. He imagined generations of students learning about his life and philosophy by encountering his physical self.
Bentham's Afterlife: More Interesting Than Your Average Corpse
Today, over 185 years after his death, Bentham's Auto-Icon still stands at UCL, albeit with a few twists and turns along the way. The mummification of his head didn't go as planned, leaving it in a rather unsettling state. A wax replica was created and placed atop his skeleton, while his real head, after a series of student-led heists and ransom demands (apparently, utilitarianism extends to fundraising), is now kept under lock and key, viewable only by special arrangement.
A Legacy of Thought-Provoking Eccentricity
Bentham's decision to become an Auto-Icon might seem bizarre, but it reflects his unwavering commitment to his principles. He challenged societal norms and sparked conversations about death, ethics, and the human body. His story serves as a reminder that even in death, we can choose to live by our beliefs and leave a lasting impact on the world.
So, the next time you're watching Crash Course or pondering the great philosophical questions of life and death, remember Jeremy Bentham – the philosopher whose afterlife is perhaps even more interesting than his life.
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