Quest to live forever?

Throughout history, the quest for immortality has captivated human imagination and ambition. Various cultures have devised unique methods and beliefs to transcend mortality, seeking ways to defy nature and ensure an eternal existence. From ancient alchemists to modern cryonics enthusiasts, pursuing everlasting life reflects a profound human desire to conquer death.

In ancient times, immortality was often sought through religious and mythological beliefs. The Egyptians, for instance, practised elaborate burial rituals and mummification to preserve the bodies of their dead for the afterlife. Pharaohs were entombed with treasures, food and everyday items, reflecting the belief that they would need these provisions in the next world. The construction of pyramids, monumental tombs designed to last for eternity, underscored the desire for a legacy and eternal life.

The quest for immortality also found expression in the legends of the Holy Grail and the Fountain of Youth. Mediaeval knights and explorers embarked on dangerous journeys to find these mythical sources of eternal life. In Chinese mythology, Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent expeditions to find the elixir of life, hoping to escape death and rule forever. These tales reveal a universal human yearning to evade the finality of death and achieve everlasting life.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, alchemy emerged as a prominent field of study aimed at uncovering the secrets of immortality. Alchemists sought the philosopher’s stone, a mythical substance believed to transform base metals into gold and grant eternal life. Figures like Paracelsus and Nicolas Flamel dedicated their lives to this pursuit, combining early scientific inquiry with mystical beliefs.

Although alchemy never achieved its lofty goals, it laid the groundwork for modern chemistry and pharmacology. The philosopher’s stone remains a symbol of humanity’s relentless pursuit of immortality, representing the ingenuity and the hubris inherent in the quest to transcend natural limits.

In the modern era, the pursuit of immortality has shifted from mystical practices to scientific endeavours. Cryonics is a prime example of this transition, representing a contemporary attempt to achieve eternal life through technological means.

The term “cryonics” was coined by Karl Werner in 1965, but the idea predates the name. The modern concept of cryonics began with Robert Ettinger, who is often referred to as the “father of cryonics.” In his 1962 book, The Prospect of Immortality, Ettinger proposed that freezing recently deceased bodies could preserve them until future medical advancements could revive and cure them. His ideas were inspired by earlier scientific experiments on animals and theoretical discussions about suspended animation.

Cryonics involves cooling a legally dead body to liquid nitrogen temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius) to prevent decay. The process starts with vitrification, where cryoprotective agents are introduced to the body to prevent ice crystal formation, which can damage cells. The body is then cooled gradually and stored in a cryonic preservation facility, often referred to as a “cryonics institute”. Cryonics is an expensive endeavour. The cost of cryopreservation can range from $28,000 to $200,000, depending on the level of service and the institution.

The pursuit of immortality, whether through ancient rituals or modern cryonics, often reflects deep-seated human greed to challenge nature and achieve eternal life. Cryonics raises numerous ethical questions about the nature of life, death and the human desire to control fate. One of the primary concerns is the uncertainty of whether cryonic preservation can ever be successfully reversed. The scientific challenges are immense, and there is currently no evidence that vitrification and subsequent revival are feasible.

As we continue to explore the possibilities of extending life, it is essential to balance our aspirations with a deep understanding of our mortality and the values that define our humanity. I do not question the aspiration to live forever. If it can be achieved, it will be a great “scientific success”. But to disturb the way of nature is disastrous. Every human is destined to taste death. The death of one leads to life for another. Immortality is against this law. Generations only evolve when the previous generations go. Immortality will stagnate this evolution and one generation will end up dominating the earth.  Ultimately, the quest for immortality should not overshadow the importance of living a meaningful and fulfilling life within the natural boundaries of human existence.