Whats our best chance at immortality? In regards to science or even mysticism?

Question

I'm very interested in this subject. thank you.

Answer 1

Progeny are the best chance for immortality from a literal standpoint.

Figuratively, the fact you have asked this question and have participated in discussions online leaves a trail that could be construed as electronic immortality. Some day, like mining a dump, the contents of the Internet past and present will be digested and presented as snapshots in history and these discussions could be part of that.

Answer 2

I cannot address 'mysticism', but I will address some of the many medical advances recently derived from mapping of the human genome.

The completion of mapping of the human genome is the key toward human advancement toward "immortality". There a ton of genes in the human body, many of which we have no idea what their function is. Researching these genes will not only combat the cellular reproductive damage that defines "aging", but will aid in boosting natural mechanisms that combat invading pathogens that kill us...such as virii (bird flu, aids)

Also virtually any human disease that is inheritable or develops without pathogenic infection, is the result of a gene mutation, deletion or otherwise malfunction. Gene therapies can replace these missing or damaged genes (and corresponding gene products) to repair the complex machinery of the human body.

While 'immortality' is likely impossible, medical science can and will push the limits of what life expectancy will be by ALOT in the next 50 years.

Answer 3

Well, first there's quantum immortality. You can read about that here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_immortality

Barring that, which is really a philosophical theory and not based on physics or biology, I'd say our best chance is cybernetics. It has been shown scientifically that human cells must deteriorate at no slower than a certain rate, similar to the half-life of a radioactive isotope, and that living past 180 is virtually impossible in a human body. Taking that into consideration, yeah, our best chance is to replace our bodies with machines which do not suffer from such deterioration problems (or can at least be repaired if they do). It will also allow us to make copies of our minds such that if one is destroyed we can just load a backup and go on living on that.

Answer 4

Who wants immortality? Many people think they want it, but:

1. How long do you work before you retire? Forever?
2. What will we do with all the population? Where will we live? What will we eat?
3. Would people be allowed to have any kids? Who would decide who can have kids?
4. If you go to prison for life, ???
5. .....

I just want to live my life and then get out of the way.

Answer 5

Immortality .............or never being forgotten by others..........

Experience tells you that you remember people who significantly shaped your world - whether its a family member or an ancient world leader - whose exploits stick in your memory from your history lessons. Are they immortal?

-to always be remembered as a member of a list- win an emmy, pulitzer, olympic race, election, academy award... i.e. be recognized as the best in something.
-to always be remembered as significant in the world of trivia. Do something extremely unusual (and in public).
-to always be remembered as a curse. Kill or harm as many people as possible.
-to always be remembered as a blessing. Love as many people as deeply as possible (including God). Allow your life to conform to the most loving actions and attitudes you can embrace. Did Mother Teresa just have good PR or was it that she was 100% authentic - and therefore stoodout from the rest of us.... or Martin Luther King......
The latest movie 300 illustrates this... 300 life-long fully committed soldiers will always win over an army of slaves.....

Remember the poster I have at my desk: Years from now the only thing that will matter is that I made a difference in the life of a child......

Answer 6

Our best chance for ommortality is to not get sick and die.