Is the extension of human lifespan a possibility that we should welcome or a temptation that we should resist?

Answer 1

Too late for that, isn't it?

Your lifespan is nearly double that of someone who lived a century or two ago (and with far less pain). Do (did) you regret all the "extra" birthdays after 40?

Answer 2

I don't think we should screw with Nature much. Death is a natural part of life, life comes from death.

Think of it on a less emotionally charged scale, as leaves. Leaves are born, they live, they die, they fall off the tree and become loam that a new tree grows in, and makes more leaves that make more loam that feed more trees.

If we start extending human lives much longer, I don't think we'll have ultimately good results. People deteriorate. Entropy is an inescapable fact. If we have immortality, or people continually getting their organs replaced or something like that, I think we'll mess with something supremely natural in a pretty bad way.

When we try to change nature's ways it always fails.

Besides, I believe that the fact of our mortality (consciousy realized or not) defines our lives and gives us purpose. Why am I going to a concert this week? Because I want this experience. That concert, that precise concert, is never going to be played again. That moment, once past, can never be truly recaptured. That's more of a statement on the nature of time but it plays in to this too. At some point, we have to accept that nothing lasts forever.

Answer 3

I would say no to that. We already live too long anyway at the expense/time/effort/burden of the younger generation working to keep our old hineys alive. I say do your time, stay your hour and then get out. Leave the world for the newer generations.

Live as long as you can if you are not a burden. Once you can't take care of yourself or manage your own life then you need to move it along.

I think if you can make it to 60 in good health, consider yourself lucky and feel OK about dying anytime thereafter. I am a big believer in human apoptosis as it were.

Answer 4

our life spans are already extended, and under idea conditions without exposures to pollutants, regular exercise, and proper diet, our life span would probably be much longer.

longer life just means a long time spent being slaves to our biological needs or irrational desires. and a much longer time spent with people who hate you for reasons beyond your control.

Answer 5

As individuals, we ought to each do whatever we believe suits us best.

As a society we have no say in the matter, so the question's moot.