Reply #35: Then I would probably take it. [View All]

I do believe in an afterlife, but I have no issues with staying here longer. Its not at the top of my to do list, but not at the bottom either. But the people around one really do make or break the quality of life.

I work with the elderly, and I regret the life prolonging measures society has imposed on many of them. Many of them seem to as well, but are still human and will not willingly relinquish life as long as it is up to them, no matter how much they may despise the day to day reality of it. I personally hope that I am so lucky as to pass peacefully before my mind or body disintegrate in drastic ways. This is not a knock on those who are older, as there are many people who live very worthwhile lives well beyond the situations i fear. I just don't know that I have it in me to do so. I don't mind becoming old. But becoming incompetent(not incontinent, though that's concerning as well) is terrifying to me. Its a personal hope, nothing more. So for me, the ability to not have that as a factor in my living would be worth something.

If one was the only immortal, I could see it being a problem. With my background in science and history, I have no doubt that a lone or effectively lone immortal would be quickly dissected for learning purposes. And if one was forcedly immortal, Highlander style, that would be most unpleasant. And while presidents might be immortal, I do not have the charisma and drive or desire to pull off secret society crap. I enjoy being an open book. And people have a tendency to dislike those who seem to have a "leg" up. Look at how Americans look at the educated, or how good progressives think about the rich.

So would becoming immortal induct one into the halls of powerbroking, or is that (I am assuming) random cellular change the only difference between that scenario and the reality?

I am not as symmetrical as I would like. Never have been, and barring unlikely and unnecessary surgery I never will be. But If I am living for a few k years, I would want to get that looked at.

My wife would take it, as long as all her scars would heal up. Mainly the bellybutton, as it freaks her out.