If there was a news conference tommorow and scientists announced they could stop the aging process in humans..

Question

what would the results be?

-would only the rich recieve treatment?
-would there be chaos from desperate people trying to recieve the treatment?
-would a mob of insane people kill the scientists?
-how would we manage the earths population (assuming people still die from things like disease and being shot)?
-how do you think the american christian religious community would react?
-do you think such an event would help us too see that life is precious, therefore ending all war?

Answer 1

that would be cool if they said that. I would want to stay a kid my whole life. ( Just to let you know I was watching National Geographic Channel and they actually might be able to do this)

Answer 2

You raise some interesting points....there are advances being made now to greatly slow the aging process. But remember, either through the ravages of disease or the constant movement of time, we will die. We are part of a greater cycle of life. While we may learn ways to slow the process down, to cure diseases, to make ourselves healthier, and therefore live longer, in the fullness of time, the candle will burn out.
Initially, the process, as with all new medical discoveries would be available only to those who could most afford it.
Chaos is for idiots, and while the world has more than it's share of those, I don't think we have to worry about the villagers showing up with pitchforks and torches.
You have more of a chance of seeing a mob of insane people in toy stores at Christmas.
As for overpopulation of the Earth, nature has a way of getting around that, cancer and AIDS sadly, just to name two.
No one cares how a " Religious group" will react. These people like to hide behind their religion to hurt others who do not subscribe to God the way they do, and somewhere, God is extremely unhappy with them.
If we stopped to consider life precious now, there would be no war, or famine or pollution. A pill to make us last longer will make no difference in our basic opinion of the Earth and how it's inhabitants should be treated.
Why, would anyone want to stick around on the planet forever, I don't. I want to see what is beyond this. There is more, and when the time comes to go, it will not be frightening, it will be an adventure.

Answer 3

the rich would probably get first priority
the chaos of people trying not to die would turn into chaos of people trying to receive the treatment.
this group may become violent thus killing the scientists.

if you have ever read the book the giver we would probably resort to something like that or get rid of the treatment all together. in the giver people euthanized the old and the ill.

it depends on which portion of the christian population you are talking about. there are the condemn ers that would condemn it as the work of Satan yes but there the pacifist that would simply refuse treatment to die to there afterlife.

there is no way that anything would end war accept the end of humans, we are talking about the opposite. in fact morals over all would diminish. people would be less ambitious saying that they would "finish that project next century"

Answer 4

Your 'slippery slope' argument doesn't take into account other religions and philosophies that accept death as a part of life.

Only those afraid to die would be desperate. From the ancients like the Incas to Buddhists of today, there are those who can and do accept that life is impermanent.

Earth population would likely decline. Childbirth is often a means to provide security in the future. If I have child tomorrow then I have someone to take care of me when I am old. I won't be old, so the need to have children will be less.

Religious groups would simply claim it as their own. The gods wanted it this way and they will go about, as they have in the past rewriting the doctrine to reflect the new information or belief. For example, prior to Descartes, all abortion was wrong in Catholic and Christian faiths. Since Descartes, Western religions changed their theology to abortion wrong but abortions can be justified.

Answer 5

I think people would firstly laugh at the philosophy of carpe diem, 'all the time in the world' will adopt a new meaning. Then people might protest in the name of God.
People would also have to redefine 'childhood' because they would no longer be so naive.
Countless talk shows and news broadcasts will feature socialists, philosophers, scientists and religious leaders conversing on the matter.
The formula may also be named 'The holy Grail' and be sold on the black market after repeated attempts to sell it on EBay.

Lastly, the populist will witness the birth of the new 'Hippie' - those who decide to die.

Answer 6

Nothing would change. After the initial euphoria dies down people would still prefer to experience all the stages in a human life. Being stuck in one age arrests the progress. Who would want to remain forever 30 if their children decide to remain children? I would definitely want them to grow up and be independent. I feel what life cycle nature or God has decided for us is the best only we are scared to admit it...

Answer 7

They would never announce that on the news. In fact there has been a lot of progress in life extension. But that is only for those who seek out the knowledge. Not those who just watch tv.

Answer 8

All the above, but not all at once. The religious community would condemn it as an act of Satan, and it would be them who mob and kill the scientists.

Answer 9

They would begin the treatments only to find that it causes genital warts. There would be mass suicides as a result keeping the population in check.

Answer 10

There would be about 10 years of substantiating studies and reporting.