The nature of consciousness and its relationship to the universe is a topic of ongoing philosophical and scientific debate. While I can provide some perspectives, it's important to note that there is no definitive consensus on these matters.
From a scientific standpoint, our conscious experience is indeed mediated by brain activity. The brain processes sensory information and generates our subjective experience of the world. However, it's worth mentioning that our perception of the world is not a direct representation of the external reality but rather a constructed model based on sensory inputs and cognitive processes. Our conscious experience is shaped by various factors such as our senses, memory, attention, and interpretation.
Regarding the comparison between life and death in relation to the actual universe, it's challenging to make conclusive statements. In life, our conscious experience is influenced by our senses, thoughts, and emotions, providing us with a subjective interpretation of the universe. However, it's important to acknowledge that our perception of the universe may be limited and influenced by cognitive biases and sensory limitations.
In death, the question of conscious experience becomes more complex. From a scientific standpoint, the cessation of brain activity typically corresponds to the loss of conscious experience. In this state, it is commonly assumed that there is no subjective experience or perception of the universe. However, it's difficult to definitively ascertain what, if anything, lies beyond death and how it relates to the actual universe.
Ultimately, the question of whether life or death is closer to the actual universe is a philosophical and metaphysical inquiry that goes beyond the current scientific understanding. It touches upon profound questions about the nature of consciousness, the fabric of reality, and the mysteries that surround our existence. Different philosophical and spiritual perspectives offer diverse interpretations and beliefs on these matters, but concrete scientific evidence remains limited in addressing these profound existential questions.