answersLogoWhite

0

Immortality (or eternal life) is the concept of living in a physical or spiritual form for an infinite or inconceivably vast length of time.[2]

As immortality is the negation of mortality-not dying or not being subject to death-it has been a subject of fascination to humanity since at least the beginning of history. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the first literary works, dating back at least to the 22nd century BC, is primarily a quest of a hero seeking to become immortal.[3] What form an unending human life would take (as well as whether it is subject to incapacitation), or whether the soul exists and possesses immortality, has been a major point of focus of religion, as well as the subject of speculation, fantasy, and debate.

It is not known whether human physical immortality is an achievable condition. Biological forms have inherent limitations which may or may not be able to be overcome through medical interventions or engineering. As of 2009, natural selection has developed biological immortality in at least one species, the jellyfish Turritopsis nutricula,[4] one consequence of which is a worldwide population explosion of the organism.[5]

Certain scientists, futurists, and philosophers, such as Ray Kurzweil, advocate that human immortality is achievable in the first few decades of the 21st century, while other advocates believe that life extension is a more achievable goal in the short term, with immortality awaiting further research breakthroughs farther into an indefinite future. Aubrey de Grey, a researcher who has developed a series of biomedical rejuvenation strategies to reverse human aging (called SENS), believes that his proposed plan for ending aging may be implementable in two or three decades.[6] The absence of aging would provide humans with biological immortality, but not invulnerability to death by physical trauma:

According to 2002 statistical data, the odds of an individual being traumatically killed are once in every one thousand and seven hundred years.[7]

Eternal life can also be defined as a timeless existence, which is also not known for certain to be achievable, or even definable, despite millennia of arguments for eternity. Wittgenstein, in a notably non-theological interpretation of eternal life, writes in the Tractatus that, "If we take eternity to mean not infinite temporal duration but timelessness, then eternal life belongs to those who live in the present."[8]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immortality

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Gerontology

When and how will biological or nonbiological immortality be invented?

It is currently impossible to predict with certainty when and how biological or nonbiological immortality will be invented. The concept of immortality is complex and involves overcoming numerous biological and technological challenges. While scientific advancements continue to push the boundaries of our understanding, it is important to note that achieving true immortality still remains highly speculative at this point.


What is the secret to immortality?

There is currently no known way to achieve immortality. While advances in medicine and technology may prolong life, the inevitability of death is a natural part of life. Focus on leading a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and nurturing relationships to make the most of the time we have.


What would living forever be like?

Jesus Christ taught men to pray for this very thing in the Lord's Prayer when they ask God:"Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth."-Matthew 6:10. See also 1 Corinthians 15:25.A SATISFYING PURPOSEWith all obstacles to peace and happiness removed, God promises that . . ."The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it."-Psalm 37:10, 11, 29.Living forever, humans will then be able to realize their full potential . . .Endless opportunities to learn and be creative will open up before mankind.Peaceful and satisfying relationships with all our fellow humans will prevail earth wide.... quoted from the book "Life Does Have a Purpose."Just my opinion, i would rather go when it is my time, to be somewhere better, but I guess you wouldn't understand if you don't believe in God.It would be alful because you would have to watch your loved ones die one by one. It would be better to die and meet your loved ones again one day.


Will it ever be possible to live forever?

No it won't. Because of sin. If Adam and eve never ate the apple we would live forever. In a non-religious idea, you could probably someday be able to live forever, but you WON'T because anything can happen that can kill you. I'm pretty sure you'd eventually would end up dealing with a meteor going through your skull or the sun swallowing up Earth, which of course is impossible to survive, other large problems will kill you too, for now at least.


Why don't vampires age?

Vampires are typically depicted as immortal because they are undead creatures that do not age in the traditional sense. Their immortality is usually attributed to supernatural powers, such as being cursed or having a permanent state of preservation. This allows them to maintain their youth, strength, and appearance indefinitely.