In the last few years, humans have been working towards expanding their life on earth through anti-aging and immortalisation, despite natural phenomena like aging and death. Silicon Valley is promoting technological immortality, eliminating biological death through technology. The documentary “Becoming immortal” showcases biotechnological scientists’ efforts to extend people’s lives from the Valley. As the users of the technology continue meeting the providers, the key question is why a person wants to remain on earth forever when it is clear that whatever has a beginning must have an end. Is the technology being appropriated for the product not ending? What happens when natural shocks occur and affect the technology where ‘the soul and body’ have been immortalised?
Immortality in the information age represents not dying, requiring assumptions about life, mind, personhood, and technological desires. It defines us as a species, providing meaning, purpose, motivation, and creativity. Well, a society, where becoming immortal is materialised would give people opportunity to live longer and continue enjoy what they had enjoyed at their tender age. Human reproduction would be at a faster rate. People would be able to work without really having specific years for retirement. In all indications, those who have the financial capacity to purchase different ‘technological immortality’ products would enjoy life as they desire. After all, immortalists are after staving off death and extend healthy life indefinitely. In other words, they want power and perpetuate God’s order of existence.
Technological immortality unnecessary when considering earthly consequences. Longevity’s impact on humanity may be profound. Reversing the demographic balance by extending life expectancy has an impact on the birth rate and elderly population. Despite the fact that traditional family structures have advantages for life preparation, parents may lose contact with their children in a mega-life world. Depression becomes a more common cause of death as life expectancy rises. The equation takes into account more than just humans. Earth’s resources are also important, and as more people live on the planet, there will be a greater shortage of essential resources. These are some of the consequences of a society without death.
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Humans cannot live eternally due to cell processes, but preventing physiological decay is possible. Therefore, instead of stressing the place of technology in elongating live, humans should use their natural instincts, such as communicating with God, to preserve life. Indigenous cultures, like the Yoruba people in Nigeria and Benin Republic, have practices related to longevity and immortality, including ancestral worship, traditional healing, herbal medicine, Ifa divination, rituals, and cultural values. Upholding these values contributes to well-being, happiness, and longevity.
Is death unfair?
The question of whether death is unfair to society is subjective and varies based on individual perspectives and cultural beliefs. Death is a natural part of the human experience and can have negative consequences, such as grief, emotional pain, and disruption of social structures. Premature or untimely deaths due to accidents, violence, or inadequate healthcare can also be seen as unfair. However, death also plays a role in the natural cycle of life, providing meaning and value, shaping perspectives, and allowing new generations to emerge. Therefore, the answer to whether death is unfair is a complex and personal topic, encompassing philosophical, ethical, and existential considerations.
Abolishing death in a profit-driven society
Abolishing death in a profit-driven society presents ethical, social, and economic challenges. Access to life-extending technologies and treatments could lead to inequalities, resource allocation, and overpopulation, exacerbated by market forces and profit motives. Overpopulation and resource strain could exacerbate environmental issues and lead to social and economic instability. Workforce and retirement would need to be reimagined to accommodate an aging population with extended working lives. The prospect of abolishing death raises existential questions about the meaning and purpose of life, as the pressure to constantly contribute to the economy may overshadow individual pursuits and self-fulfillment, potentially impacting personal well-being and overall quality of life.