Humans have long aspired to immortality, and advances in modern science have brought the possibility of life extension closer. However, when immortality becomes a reality, it raises ethical and social issues, and concerns that personal happiness may be threatened. We need to think seriously about whether immortality will be a blessing for humans or a new set of problems.
Dreams of immortality and human aspirations: from ancient to modern times
Ever since humans began harboring the desire for immortality, it has been more than just a legend or fantasy. Ancient Egyptians believed in the continuation of the soul after death and left behind mummies and the Book of the Dead to document the journey of the soul, and in China, Qin Shi Huang turned to various alchemists in his search for the herb of immortality during his lifetime, but was unable to achieve his wish. This desire for immortality is deeply rooted in human nature. This dream of immortality is one of the reasons why philosophers and scientists of all ages have pondered the meaning of death and life. It’s not just about living longer, but about what it means to be truly immortal. This desire for immortality has persisted throughout history and continues today, with modern science making it a more concrete and attainable goal.
Since ancient times, various religions and philosophical ideas have proposed ways to achieve eternal life or explored its essential meaning. The Greek philosopher Plato believed that the human soul survives death and continues on to the other world, an idea that has since been transformed into the concept of eternal life in many religions. These ideas evolved from the mere continuation of the soul after death to the quest for immortality in this world. As a result, alchemy emerged, and philosophical thought was linked to scientific experimentation. Early alchemists sought to unlock the secrets of human life beyond the simple transmutation of metals, and immersed themselves in the creation of elixirs of immortality. The dream of human immortality has been a subject of continuous exploration since the past, and it has entered a new phase with the development of modern science and technology.
The challenges of modern science and the possibility of immortality
Today, interest in immortality remains strong. In fact, the possibility of immortality is no longer a fantasy as science and technology have advanced by leaps and bounds. Research into techniques to reverse or regenerate the aging process of human cells is beginning to open up concrete possibilities for life extension. For example, the discovery of substances that delay cellular aging, organ transplantation to extend life, and genetic manipulation to turn off aging-related genes are being actively researched. Recent advances in biology and medicine have brought us to the point where “anti-aging” is more than just delaying aging, but actually reversing the process. In addition, biotechnology combined with artificial intelligence is making life more sophisticated.
But this raises an important question. If eternal life is possible, can we truly find happiness in such a life? The philosopher Epicurus did not define happiness simply as pleasure, but saw true happiness as the avoidance of suffering and the maintenance of tranquility. According to his philosophy, immortality could lead to new suffering if humans, having been granted immortality, were to repeat their suffering through constant competition and desire. Modern psychology also explains happiness as a concept of “subjective well-being,” and recognizes that human happiness does not consist of the mere extension of life. If longevity and eternal life become possible, the question of the meaning and purpose of life will deepen.
Ethical issues and social change
We also cannot ignore the social and ethical issues that would arise if eternal life became a reality. If only a few people could extend their lives, it would likely lead to a concentration of wealth and power. Social inequality will be exacerbated if the latest life-extending technologies are only available to those who can afford them. In addition, it could lead to overpopulation and resource scarcity. If the current system of the natural cycle of human life is disrupted, the burden on the planet will be heavy. Furthermore, it is doubtful that humans who have been able to avoid death and live longer will be able to value life as it is today. The tension and preciousness of life in the face of death may be lost when an individual lives indefinitely.
As life extension may raise ethical and social issues, it is necessary to have an organized discussion to address them. As life-extension technologies are developed, legal and ethical frameworks should be in place, and measures should be taken to minimize social inequality. The question of how and to whom eternal life will be granted will be a matter of great debate if and when it becomes a reality.
The value of immortality and the meaning of human life
The dream of immortality goes beyond simply wanting to continue living, and touches on the ultimate question of how humans can live better lives. There is an ongoing debate about whether eternal life would be a blessing or a curse for humans. Eternal life is not just the continuation of life, but the ability to live a life of value. In a life without death, we would have an infinite amount of time, which would likely change the way we value each moment and make choices without regret. This means that the meaning and purpose of life must be redefined differently.
After all, for humans, immortality isn’t just about having endless life, it’s about figuring out how to live a truly meaningful life. As technology continues to advance, we are one step closer to the possibility of immortality. However, we need to seriously consider and discuss how we will utilize this possibility and how we can wisely address the various issues that immortality can bring. When eternal life becomes a reality, human society will need to reflect on how to adapt and change to this new way of life.
