Long for This World

In recent years, the dream of eternal youth has started to look like more than just a dream.

In the twentieth century alone, life expectancy increased by more than thirty years—-almost as much time as humans have gained in the whole span of human existence. Today a motley array of scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs believe that another, bigger leap is at hand—that human immortality is not only possible, but attainable in our own time. Is there genius or folly in the dreams of these charismatic but eccentric thinkers?

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I don't think it a possibility to be any further from my comfort zone than I was with this book. But the idea of immortality, who could resist?

It begins with a clear definition and history of a mortal's life expectancy. How it is perceived and how that perception has grown. Transitioning from the philosophical to the scientific, the book does cover a fair range of thoughts and research on immortality. Many people played a part, none more so than Aubrey de Grey- a man who loves to hear himself talk.

The book offers a great subject to truly lose yourself in while providing information that leaves it's reader with 'food for thought'. There are constant references to Christianity and Greek mythology among numerous historical tidbits and one too many mentions of hydra, both the living creature and mythical beast. Offering a wide array of viewpoints, the author himself isn't attempting to win the reader over to one specific stance on whether or not one will ever find attainment in the quest for immortality but would one choose immortality for himself if given the chance. Do the pros outweigh the cons? Would you choose immortality even if your loved ones would not?

The idea of acquiring immortality is appealing and an aspect that gives the very best of fantasy and myth their charm. Would I want it for myself? Damn straight.

One such argument against immortality is boredom. That people would become bored with life.

What the hell is wrong with these people? Is the world not vast enough?

Okay, so I've proven one of their points. The young see the experiences to be had. The old see the time with loved ones to be spent.

I'm a statistic, yes, and I proudly support the Methuselah Foundation, if only in spirit.