Humankind understands that a power greater than ourselves, greater than anything, has deemed that our existence on earth should be a mere fraction in time overall, we have a puny lifespan. When compared to time, its origin and existence, the age of our planet and universe, we do not really get to spend much time here given the fact that we are supposedly the supreme intelligence residing here.
Is it then any wonder that man has strived for immortality or at least a longer lifespan? The reasons are pretty clear. Humans as a rule are afraid to die. Afraid of what they leave behind, afraid of what happens after the final light goes out. In addition to that, most of us have unfinished business when we leave and darn it all, we are just not ready to leave so soon. So what do we do about it?
We strive for immortality. The good and the bad alike in society search in a vain attempt to live longer trying to increase our lifespan, extend our time on earth by any means possible. However, what would happen if humanity actually achieved his goal of universal immortality? It would make for some interesting scenarios if man were to achieve perpetual life.
Overall, life for a human is a diminutive moment in time when considering the larger picture. We are born, live a period of childhood and adolescence, mature into adulthood – procreate, starting a new line – enter into elder status and old age, perhaps followed by dementia and then mortality. We have a few decades of active living; we slow down and retire, preparing for our eventual end. Immortality would reverse this dramatically.
The changes we would undergo as a society would be significant, if not a bit unnerving – perhaps even alarming. What if there was no end to our existence? Would old age continue? Growing old is tough enough now, would it be any less difficult if it never ended? If we made the assumption our different phases of life would continue, it seems predictable that our existence would become somewhat tedious.
Our zest for life would end and be replaced by a weariness, perhaps even obscurity which could lead to an actual longing for a way to end that current existence, even after a short number of added decades. More so, if illness is not something we have conquered by that time, would we want to endure ill health or the potential for it year after unforgiving year? Why would one want to carry on infinitely if they were in poor health? This would be even worse if there was a financial burden tied to the illness, how would a family survive?
Currently over six billion people inhabit the plant. Birthrate being what they are, millions of new residents would be born to the plant and none would be exiting. It would not be very long before we began to run out of livable regions, we already have that problem now in some areas. How will this planet sustain itself if no one dies? There would not be enough food, domiciles, or land to build on for everyone of any age.
Who would continue to work and would there be enough employment for everyone? This is highly unlikely given we cannot find work for everyone now and social programs to sustain the unemployed are derided now. If immortality means no end to us, it should also come with limitless resources as well. How are we expected to maintain current levels of prosperity when resources are limited and incomes so tenuous?
There is also the anti social element to contend with. Crime will undoubtedly continue, as would all criminal behavior, reprehensible as it is. Where would the happiness prevail in an endless society? Presumably, those good Samaritans would now have more time for kindly acts. The people always prone to usefulness in society would continue to consider life as an altruistic undertaking and carry on their service to humankind. Entertainers would persist with bringing joy to humans and have more time to do it. Humor would still prevail and happiness would continue to spread as those responsible carry forward with their obligation.
The key to immortality and societal well being would be for some things to remain the same and while others change, unending sources of supply would be abundant. Innovation would develop quicker than it does now, governments would adapt with new cabinet programs to support a sustained population. If these prerequisites are in place and good continues to prevail over evil in an immortal world, it could just be a cheerful place to reside for the long term.
Sat, Oct 3, 2009
Immortality, Longevity