Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Wanna Live Forever...?

To some folks, the idea of being immortal sounds great!

I'm not sure if I would want to live that long, but if this article from Listverse is correct I might not even get the option! I might not qualify, you see? Besides , there could be a host of totally unforseen problems with this whole thing!

Immortality

If the early 21st century is going to be marked with battles over birth, then the second half may well be marked with battles over death. You’ve probably heard of nanobots. Basically, they’re microscopic machines that will one day swim around in our bloodstream, keeping us fit and healthy—and potentially immortal.

That’s right: Immortal. According to futurist Ray Kurzweil, in as little as 20 years the average life expectancy may well be “forever.” See, proper nanobots would be capable of destroying pathogens, keeping our brains in shape and even reversing ageing. In short, it would be the holy grail of science: Eternal life. And that’s where the problems start.

For one thing, not everyone on Earth will receive these nanobots. Let’s say they’re an American innovation, can you really imagine our scientists selling them on to, say, North Korea? So then you have to decide who does and doesn’t get these wonder-bots. Do poor people get them? What about the homeless? Are criminals banned from immortality? If not, are we comfortable with the idea of giving eternal life to rapists and pedophiles? Will immortality become the preserve of the elite? Now, obviously this is all a bit premature—nanobots aren’t anywhere near the market yet. But if it comes to pass, this is going to be one of the biggest, most controversial leaps in the whole of human history.

I don't think that I'll be around if and when this becomes an issue, and that's alright by me. With the world situation being what it is, I think I'll just do my allotted time and check out! Know what I mean?

Coffee in the kitchen this morning, as we have a cold front moving our way. Around here that usually means rain!

10 comments:

Chickenmom said...

Too bad Rod Serling of the old Twilight Zone tv series isn't around anymore - I bet he could make a good episode out of that one! 42 here. I'll bring some apple turnovers.

Rob said...

In Science Fiction Larry Niven (for one) has made some guesses about immortality with drugs & how the race deals with it.

HermitJim said...

Hey Phyllis...
I'm always in the mood for apple turnovers!

Thanks for coming by today!



Hey Rob...
I think that many writers have touched on the subject, but I don't want to be one of the test subjects. I'll just wait and see what happens!

Thanks for dropping by today!

butterbean said...

Howdy HJ,

Not for me, there's toooo many people on this earth right now, why do you think all of these wars are going on... Everybody wants everybody else's space, NOW...
Where're you going to put them and only the wealthy would be able to afford or want to live long enough to spend ALL of their $$$$$$...
Poor folks don't want to live any longer than they have to... Of course, if the guvmint keeps giving them $$$ to barely stay alive, they might..
NOT ME, I'M OLD & TARRED !!!!!!

JO said...

I think I will just do my time like you said. And like Butterbean said there are already to many people on earth. Hey we probably couldn't afford that thing anyway.

Apple turnovers and coffee for breakfast sound fantastic.

HermitJim said...

Hey Butterbean...
Don't think that the government is going to spend any more to keep the older folks alive! Only the rich will be allowed to continue.

Right you are about too many folks here already!

Thanks for coming over today!



Hey Jo...
Guess we poor old folks will have to continue on with the natural life span. Still, that really is enough, I reckon!

Thanks, sweetie, for coming over today!

Dizzy-Dick said...

Now, if they would just use them to cure disease but not to extend the life span of people, I would go for it.

Gorges Smythe said...

I'm with you. I'll take whatever the Lord gives me and be thankful that I DON'T have to live forever in this mess of a modern world.

Anonymous said...

If they could fix all the places that hurt that would be ok. I have lots of hobbies to keep myself busy! ha ha ha ha ha

BBC said...

I for one would not want to work for 120 years so I could live to 150. I've never been fond of working for assholes. :-)