I was watching a couple shows on the Science channel (yes, I’m a geek) about time. The first show dealt with black holes, the beginning of the universe and how black holes may not be the end but the beginning. The second show discussed humans’ views on time and how we search for the key to immortality and/or an extension of life. One scientist mentioned that in the next 30 to 50 years it may be possible to reverse the aging process, where 60 year olds can reverse the aging process and go back to being about 40 years of age. Then in the 20 years or so that it takes them to get back to 60, more scientific breakthroughs will have occurred to assist in helping people live longer & as younger beings. Of course the show also discussed the creation of a magic elixir allowing us to drink of the fountain of youth. The host of the show asked people on the streets if they would drink the potion to have more time on the earth. There were quite a few mixed reactions. Some people said sure, that they enjoyed life. Others said they’d miss friends and family. Me? I’m undecided. I think I would need to spend a week or two in absolute seclusion with my papers, pens and books before I made a choice.
It made me think though. With the intense interest in paranormal stories where the characters are immortals, do we secretly long to experience endless time? Would you drink from the fountain of youth?
Share your thoughts on immortality/life extension with us.
October 6th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I think the idea of living forever or being able to see things outside our time is one of the reasons I read and write time travels. It’s a way to see and experience what isn’t possible in my time. On a larger scale, it’s why I read so many different genres — the travel, at least in my mind, to all the places I wouldn’t ordinarily havea the chance to go to. Immortality would be appealing if I had the energy and mental capacity to always know what was going on around me. It would mean I would have the to read that entire stack of books on my TBR — and that’s no joke. The lament of so many books, so little time is real. The only downside is if those around me that I like didn’t live forever beside me. Now of course, there’s people — I work with one — who if I heard had been sent to the great beyond I’d be thrilled. But for those I care for, I’d want them be with me.
I’m with you on spending a week or two alone to read and write — actually three years ago I did that for almost 4 months and it was the best time of my life. I’d go days without talking to another person, just hanging out at home, reading, writing, enjoying my then three kitties antics and taking long walks when no one else would be on the path. I journaled every day so I’d be able to hang on to how wonderful that time was.
October 6th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Only if I could retain the knowledge I have about life now and they could guarantee me that it would heal this body of its aches and pains. Otherwise, no I would just stay the age I am and enjoy my life the best I can.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I agree with Bo. If I could drink from the fountain of youth and regain my 20 something body without losing my 40 something brain… ab-so-fing-lutely.
October 8th, 2008 at 12:43 am
I would rather see something invented that could repair our bodies. Leave it to me, huh? LOL
If we could really find ‘the fountain of youth’ it would be worth nothing if we couldn’t also have never ending health and well being.
I’m not sure I’d want to live forever if my body kept aging and deteriorating. If I could live forever, I think I’d like to live forever young and strong, along with keeping my knowledge.
I guess what I’m saying is I don’t want it unless I can have it all. LOL