Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a candid conversation with Danny DeVito, shared his realistic and unsentimental views on death and the afterlife. He said he is not convinced by ideas of heaven or a traditional afterlife, viewing them as comforting beliefs rather than proven realities. What truly saddens him is not death itself, but losing the richness and joy of life—friendship, movement, work, travel, and everyday experiences.
Despite being raised Catholic, Schwarzenegger has moved away from traditional religious views about what happens after death while holding onto the moral values he learned, especially service to others. He believes fulfillment comes from contributing to the greater good, not fame or power.
Rather than focusing on what may come after death, Schwarzenegger emphasizes living fully in the present, appreciating life’s impermanence, and serving others. His message is ultimately one of gratitude and urgency: life is precious because it is temporary, so meaning should be found here and now.
