Bigthink - Feature Comments Feed

Comment on: The End of Aging

Bigthink — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:09:30 +0100

He said "let's do first things first" and let us stop aging instead of stopping the social problems. Who said that the social problems are not the first thing? Stopping aging is a pathetic means to avoid thinking about our fear about dying and death. Perhaps we should begin to discus the topic here.

Comment on: The End of Aging

Bigthink — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:58:42 +0100

If it was possible to stop aging in which age would we stop it? In the age of 6, 18, 25, 50 and who is the one to decide?

Why should be less violence in a world without aging? The opposite might be come true.

Is aging a disease? Since when? (Aging has history)

If we agree that our enlived body is an essential part of our experience - don't we lose an essential part of our self (the self) by stopping aging?

Comment on: The End of Aging

Bigthink — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:49:29 +0100

I think we need to strive for the possibilities that are within our grasp at the present, and not focus so much on the far-out possibilities that are science-fiction to those dealing with the reality of life in the early 21st century.

One step at a time, and a whole lot of discussion on where the technology branches out to, or we end up with a far more complicated world than the one we already have.

Comment on: The End of Aging

Bigthink — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:00:05 +0100

I think it is necessary to use the term Immortal in this discussion. It is too glib to suggest that it doesn%u2019t apply because a few people will die along the way.

Immortals will be a new species. Their motivations and perspective will be completely different. If we accept that the fundamental nature of humans is to reproduce in order to ensure the survival of their genetic heritage, do the fundament urges associated with this desist when the genetic material is more or less guaranteed survival in its original host? Will immortals loose their sex drive?

Not everyone will be able to afford the therapy. Will mortals and immortals happily co-exist in society? Tolkein had some thoughts on that one.

It is all very well to cure people of ageing, but what happens to the mental health of a person who can live forever? How bad can neurosis become over hundreds or even thousands of years. Has anyone thought that eternity might become unbearably repetitive and boring.

There is a value to the aging process. If we are lucky, we are given an opportunity to come to terms with not living anymore and hopefully ease gently out of life without regret. The limited span on life gives it much of its value. If we have too much, its value will inevitably degrade, and it is likely to become even more meaningless than it probably is already.

I don%u2019t want to live forever. Eighty years is plenty. I think we should have a good time while we are here, don%u2019t hurt anyone if you can help it, then let someone else have a turn.

Comment on: The End of Aging

Bigthink — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:05:19 +0100

What will happen if we cure aging?

Have you read the book - "Brave New World", it'll be pretty much like that ;-)