Who wants to live forever? that is the title of one of
rock band Queens songs which talks about an idea that has enticed as much as it has eluded man since time immemorial, immortality.
The
Idea is as old as history itself. Primarily because as mortal beings, we are
destined to expire eventually. It is the thrust of many religions and
beliefs. The line that divides humans
with Gods.
But
the question posed by this timeless song is “Who wants to live forever?” who
wants to live life without fear of death?
If you were given that choice, what would you do? What would you give?
What would you take to achieve this? And in the end, will it be worth it?
The
argument of time was also challenged by scientists. Assuming time is infinite,
there has to be a moment before Zero time, which to my understanding is the
notion of the beginning of the universe. Does infinity expand after zero or go
both ways?
The
concept of forever though could also be perceived as a moment of time based on
our own perception of it. So for a human, forever would mean beyond a lifetime.
But a lifetime is also a relative concept limited to the extent one’s life,
which would make it relative.
Forever,
which is infinity measured by time is a concept that may not even exist for the
very fact that no one has ever seen or experienced it.
Because
of these small arguments, Immortality in
a sense, may not be a reality in this world. But still, with the limited
comprehension given to us by the human brain, we strive to find this concept of
immortality that always eludes us.
Below
is a list of Ideas and that man has generated in order to reach the proverbial
status that is immortality.
JOIN
THE CLUB 27
The
club 27 is a club of the most elite members of musicians who have died at the
age of 27. Prominent members include the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, Jim Morrisson, Brian Jones
and Kurt Cobain, all of which are
believed to have exchanged their lives in this world to live in fame and thus
achieve a state of immortality in this world in the sense that they will not be
forgotten.
The
club 27 could be a perception of immortality based on time that spans beyond an
individual’s expected lifetime.
With
this idea, a person’s life will extend so long as you are spoken of by the
living, which is an Idea not new to human culture as can be proven by various
cultures found in human history.
Ancient
Egyptians and even the Chinese found
truth in the above premise so much that they would go to extremes to be remembered
(the pyramids, a lake of mercury and slaves buried alive in their name).
This club however will forever be forgotten from the annals of pop culture, forever stuck in their overly quirky, teeny boppy urban campfire purgatory.
Join
the Club 33
What do Jesus and Andres Bonifacio have in common? they are both members of this club
The club
33 is a less known but still equally thought provoking group of famous people
who have died but achieved immortality. The list includes such personalities as
John Belushi, Chris Farley and even famous musicians such as names of Bon Scott
of AC/DC . To a greater extent there were even more prominent figures such as
Alexander the Great, Andres Bonifacio and even Jesus himself.
The
Latter believed to actually have been resurrected 3 days after death should
also add to the validity of this club being a more viable venue for people who
would receive the eluding Idea of Immortality.
The
Irony with these clubs though is that to be immortal, one will have to die. And
we’re not talking about any natural death here though because most club 27’ers
either die of overdose, suicide and misadventure while the 33’s die from
betrayal, torture, war and the likes.
BIOLOGICAL
IMMORTALITY
Biological immortality refers to a stable rate of mortality as a function of chronological age meaning that in a sense, creatures that
reach this state can theoretically live forever.
Many
forms of bacteria and other microscopic things are believed to be biologically
immortal, meaning that death will only occur from injury or disease rather than
deterioration.
Enter the Turritopsis nutricula
Step aside Duncan Mcleoud. Eym the Reel Eymortal
The Turritopsis nutricula is also known as the
immortal jellyfish. The only animal in the world known to be immortal.
Through a process called Transdifferentiation
the jellyfish can transform back to its infant state ala Benjemin Button
allowing it to “grow young” again. Because of this, if the Turritopsis nutricula wanted to live forever, it could.
The
Idea of pure immortality still eludes man. But like any major Religion, Belief
or scientific venture, Immortality comes with a price.
As
we sleep and reecho on the thoughts of how our life will come to an end one day,
one way or the other, I ask you the question Mr. Mercury once asked again.
Who wants to live forever?
There's no chance for us
It's all decided for us
This world has only one sweet moment
Set aside for us
Who wants to live forever?
Forever is our today...
-Queen
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