From ancient myths to modern biotechnology, how has humanity's desire for eternal life evolved? From the dawn of time, humans have dreamed of 'immortality,' transcending death. Beginning with ancient societies that believed in the existence of souls, myths and legends pursuing eternal life formed the core of early human cultures. For instance, in the 'Epic of Gilgamesh' from Mesopotamian mythology, the protagonist's journey to uncover the secret of immortality symbolically illustrates humanity's ancient yearning for eternal life. After the death of his friend Enkidu, Gilgamesh realizes his own mortality and embarks on a perilous quest for immortality. He seeks out Utnapishtim, who survived the Great Flood and was granted eternal life by the gods, but ultimately loses the plant of immortality to a serpent, forcing him to accept human limitations. This ancient epic encapsulates both humanity's fervent desire for immortality and the paradox of its impossibility. Later, in medieval Europe, alchemists pursued not only the transmutation of base metals into gold but also the 'Philosopher's Stone,' believed to grant immortality, dedicating scientific and philosophical efforts to this quest. The Philosopher's Stone was regarded not merely as a means to create material wealth, but as a symbol of ultimate wisdom capable of perfecting humans and bestowing eternal life. For centuries, alchemists toiled day and night in their laboratories searching for this mystical substance, a process that laid the foundations for chemistry and pharmacology. This desire for immortality persists not only in the past but also in the present, with only its expression and means of pursuit shifting from myth to science. As we transition into modern society, immortality is no longer confined to the realms of myth or religion. Driven by advancements in technology and science, humanity is actively exploring the possibility of extending physical life. Brian Appleyard's essay 'Humanity's Relentless Quest for Immortality,' published in Engelsberg Ideas, meticulously analyzes this modern pursuit of immortality. Appleyard points out that Calico, a subsidiary of Google, is investing vast sums to uncover the biological causes of aging and death, explaining that Silicon Valley's tech giants view immortality not as mere science fiction but as an achievable project. Neuralink, the brain-machine interface company founded by Elon Musk, is also developing technology to connect the human brain with computers, exploring the possibility of digitizing consciousness. This trend is not limited to the United States but is actively progressing in technologically advanced nations such as Europe, Japan, and China. The European Union operates joint programs for aging research, fostering cooperation among member states. Japan, as the world's most rapidly aging society, is dedicating national attention to developing technologies for extending healthy lifespans. China is actively investing in biotechnology research using CRISPR gene-editing technology and is undertaking large-scale government-led projects related to life extension. The global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries continue their efforts to redefine aging as a disease and make it a treatable condition. However, Appleyard emphasizes that immortality technology cannot be viewed merely as a hopeful technological discovery. His essay sharply points out that humanity's desire for 'immortality' is accompanied by fundamental ethical and social questions. Appleyard explains that the concept of 'death' is a crucial component of human experience. Because death exists, life is finite and precious, and our choices gain urgency and meaning. If humans were to eliminate death, fundamental questions arise about how our goals and the meaning of life would change. What meaning would 'now' hold for an eternal being? If the time we could postpone things were infinite, would we still have the motivation to achieve anything? What are the ethical and social dilemmas posed by the advancement of cutting-edge technology? Furthermore, Appleyard warns of the risk that social inequality could deepen if such technology were to be exclusively available to certain classes. Historically, innovative technologies were initially the preserve of the wealthy, gradually becoming popularized over time. However, immortality technology differs from ordinary commodities in its very nature. If the wealthy could attain eternal life and perpetually accumulate power and wealth, intergenerational resource transfer could cease, and social mobility could be completely blocked. Appleyard actively warns of the possibility that the advancement of immortality technology could lead to technological and social alienation for the majority of the general public, arguing that this could create a new form of class society. He suggests that an extreme dichotomy between an immortal elite and a still-mortal populace could become a reality. Such concerns are not
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