>>>What does atheism have to do with this?
>>>Don't get me wrong, I'm not an atheist; I'm agnostic.
>
>I guess I was contemplating biblical references such as "In all thy works remember thy last end, and thou shalt never sin." That sort of belief seems to characterize most religion, and it seems less likely to cause bitterness or regret when our "last end" is staring us in the face.

OK, I take that as another attempt of the authors of the said book to grab a monopoly on all things human. Which they, of course, don't have - compassion, good will, solidarity, you name it - are alive and well among humanity at large, not just believers of any particular religion, or just believers in general.

>FWIW, I was tempted to inscribe the fireplace mantel in the entrance of my new home "in púlverem revertéris" for the amusement of those who would "get" my inside joke. I still might.

I also think I'll get cremated... :). And I'd prefer having my ashes spillt into the nearest river; don't feel like obliging anyone to take care of my leftover recyclable molecules. Being remembered shouldn't depend on a piece of stone.