Recent medical advancements have made it seem possible that the fountain of youth is only a decade away from reality. But even if we could develop something that enables us to achieve immortality, should we?
Recently, Morgan Freeman asked a tantalizing question on Sci Fi’s popular show “Through the Wormhole.” It is a question that has baffled scientists, doctors, adventurers and philosophers since humans’ earliest times. The question of "can we live forever" is beyond fascinating for many of us, and even if it were possible, is that a good thing and is it really "possible" according to the laws of physics?
First though, one must consider the broader implications of such a scientific breakthrough that extends beyond the planet Earth and even human beings. For example, if in the hypothetical sequence posed, eternal life actually became common, how does it escape most accepted theories of the universe, which explicably say the universe has a beginning and an end? Furthermore, there seems to be two competeting theories on the universe and its beginning and demise. The almost collectively accepted theory of the “Big Bang” seems to satisfy a genesis for the universe, whereas its end is controversial. Physicists differ on how the universe may end in what are called "the big rip" and "the big freeze" or "big crunch." See, astronomers have discovered that other stars are moving away from our star, the Sun, at a faster rate than light would seemingly allow.
This presents a major problem for scientists, because it seemingly violates the laws of physics. But because the universe is filled with exotic things such as dark matter and dark energy, it is impossible to truly calculate why this phenomenon is happening. So let us assume that this dark energy is something that naturally occurred before the big bang, so therefore it does not violate any natural laws, and it explains the faster-than-light growth of the universe and it would give credence to "the big rip" theory. This means, all matter would rip apart, which includes "us," regardless of how long you have lived.
In the other scenario, the universe expands like a big fat balloon and then, presumably gravity, contracts the universe and bang, it crunches "us" all. So again, regardless of age, there seems to be no escape. But, some scientists have explained there are other dimensions that could, again in theory, connect us to other universes’, which could hypothetically extend life. But until that is proven, it is a long shot, and even if true, these other universes could be inhospitable to us.
So why are we fascinated with living forever then, when if you look at the science, even if we prolong life, we will still "die" anyway? Well, let us look at the recent fountain of youth advancements that may enable this philosophical paradox to even exist.
Currently, most data and scientists seem to conclude that the answer for longevity is in the DNA. While some believe that singling out specific DNA sequencing could help slow the aging process, others look to something called “removing the garbage.” Essentially, this is based on the belief that proper cell division is hindered because too much “garbage” accumulates around the cells, causing them and us to advance more rapidly towards death. It seems that of all the data presented, a combination of gene therapy would be needed, because even if you slow the aging process or remove the DNA sequence that makes death inevitable, we would just stay young longer and maybe not as active, or we would just live long but become old and handicapped. Either of those two is not ideal, and only when combined is the fountain of youth humans desire accomplished.
But again, the eventual death of the universe and the adverse societal impact it would have, makes the fountain of youth a scary proposition. If a sort of combined gene therapy were created that could keep us young and forever living, it would not only be groundbreaking, but dangerous. As we have witnessed with divisive debate over the recent health care bill that simply wanted to allow universal health care, a fountain of youth pill could create a massive war. Who would be allowed to live forever? When we look at our current political climate, which even routine things such as raising the debt ceiling are impossible tasks, how could we ever develop a fair system based off of something so naturally intoxicating? Well, I do not believe we could, so even if we could develop a form of therapy to allow eternal life, it is pointless for two specific reasons. For one, it still only prolongs the inevitable and it would probably cause the end of the world because something so good would allow people to believe it is ok to kill over, like we have done numerous times through out our history.
So, unless it can be proven our society can share good things we already have, here’s hoping this fountain of youth is not discovered for a very long time.