Imagining the Downside of Immortality!

Betonov · 08-28-11, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony W.

If we found a way to live forever, the first thing I'd try is probably to give a nuke a hug - while it goes off

Reminds me of a short Sci-Fi story I once read, where a guy invents an inpenetrable shield and tests it by sitting next to an A-bomb while it explodes. The shield worked, he was unscaved, but blown into orbit where he suffocated in space

Skybird · 08-28-11, 04:49 PM

Western culture is highly individualistic - and thanatophobic. I see a link between both. We value the individual and it'S rights and freedoms extremely high. and by that it seems that we lose the meaning of death out of our sight. Avoiding leads to no longer learning. Lack of insight leads to fear. And by this, we become obsessed with the idea of wanting to live forever/stay forever young.

A rough and extremeley shortened summary, I know. But you may get the principle idea.

The art of living we can only learn by losing our fear of death. But the fear of death we can only lose when understanding that there is no use in clinging to life at all cost. Don't be ahead of events, don't lack behind. Do not resist, nor cling for it. That way, the art of living and the art of dying become one. And fear may lose its fangs to insight.

Jimbuna · 08-28-11, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Betonov

Reminds me of a short Sci-Fi story I once read, where a guy invents an inpenetrable shield and tests it by sitting next to an A-bomb while it explodes. The shield worked, he was unscaved, but blown into orbit where he suffocated in space

LOL

Oberon · 08-28-11, 05:51 PM

Sounds like a job for Torchwood

08-28-11, 04:49 PM	#2
Skybird Soaring Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: the mental asylum named Germany Posts: 42,729 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	Western culture is highly individualistic - and thanatophobic. I see a link between both. We value the individual and it'S rights and freedoms extremely high. and by that it seems that we lose the meaning of death out of our sight. Avoiding leads to no longer learning. Lack of insight leads to fear. And by this, we become obsessed with the idea of wanting to live forever/stay forever young. A rough and extremeley shortened summary, I know. But you may get the principle idea. The art of living we can only learn by losing our fear of death. But the fear of death we can only lose when understanding that there is no use in clinging to life at all cost. Don't be ahead of events, don't lack behind. Do not resist, nor cling for it. That way, the art of living and the art of dying become one. And fear may lose its fangs to insight. __________________ If you feel nuts, consult an expert.

08-28-11, 05:51 PM	#4
Oberon Lucky Jack Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 25,976 Downloads: 61 Uploads: 20	Sounds like a job for Torchwood