Arnold Schwarzenegger believes Heaven is a ‘fantasy’, says: ‘We won’t see each other again after we’re gone’

Schwarzenegger’s outlook is rooted in a pragmatic approach to life and death. He expressed a deep skepticism about the existence of heaven, dismissing it as a comforting but ultimately unfounded belief. “We don’t know what happens with the soul and all this spiritual stuff that I’m not an expert in, but I know that the body as we see each other now, we will never see each other again like that,” he added, emphasizing the finality of death.

For many, the idea of heaven is a comforting belief—a place where we reunite with loved ones after death. However, Schwarzenegger challenged this notion, calling it a “fantasy.” His view is grounded in a reality that, while uncomfortable for some, reflects his personal experiences and losses.

“When people talk about, ‘I will see them again in heaven,’ it sounds so good, but the reality is that we won’t see each other again after we’re gone. That’s the sad part,” Schwarzenegger shared. His words reflect a deep sense of realism and a recognition of the finality of death, which contrasts sharply with the hopeful beliefs held by many.

Despite his skepticism about a traditional afterlife, Schwarzenegger has crafted a personal interpretation of heaven. To him, heaven isn’t a physical place in the clouds but rather a mental space where he cherishes the memories of those he loves. “To me, heaven is where I put a person who I love dearly, who is kind, who is generous, who made a difference in my life and other people’s lives,” he explained.

Schwarzenegger likened this personal heaven to a “front row” in his mind, a place where the people who have made a significant impact on his life reside in his thoughts. This conceptualization allows him to keep these individuals close, even after their passing, offering a unique blend of realism and sentimentality.

Schwarzenegger’s current views might seem at odds with his Catholic upbringing. Raised in the Catholic Church, he attended services regularly and was educated in Catholic schools. In a 2021 interview, Schwarzenegger reflected on the lasting impact of his religious upbringing, particularly the concept of having “a servant’s heart”—the idea of dedicating oneself to a cause greater than personal interests.