[juzzza]

So, we all know that our cells begin to degenerate and after the age of twenty or so, we know that they (our cells) can't regenerate. What Science can't answer... is why this happens... there is no logical or biological reason.

So my question is... are we dying because of a physical choice (which is outside of our control) or is it a spiritual choice (which is outside of our control)?

[kongming]

I'd say physical.

Also I think some scientists have come up with an answer. Ummm... sorry if this explanation is the exact opposite of technical :o

Inside each of our cells is this biological "ruler". Each time a cell reproduces the next generation have a slightly shorter ruler. When this ruler is gone we die. If scientists can emulate or even replace this ruler we could effectively be immortal. Also I would think that the more your cells reproduce the quicker the ruler shortens so it's not like you have an exact set time. Any number of factors could lead to more cell reproduction, like say smoking or smog or an injury or desease.

[JRMurdock]

A bit dark today, eh Juzz?

Go read Stranger in a Strange Land as it answers these questions. :)

But seriously. If you inflate a balloon and let it sit (age) for several days, it'll slowly get smaller. Why? The molocules get 'tired'. They have been trapped inside the balloon for so long they lose energy.

The same goes for the human body. The cells are 'trapped' and after a certain length of time those monocules get 'tired' and just plain stop working. Once release from the body their energy is restored as the cells take on a different form of 'life'.

That's my take on it. :)

[Gary Wassner]

I don't think that a scientific explanation would be enough. The 'why' question would still follow. If we could only understand the nature of the universe...

They may find a chemical that regenerates cells. Maybe it's the sun's rays that prevent them from regenerating after a while and as the sun grows weaker over centuries, then the life span will grow longer. Or the opposite?

What exactly do you mean by spiritual choice, Juzz? Do you mean choice at all?

[kahnovitch]

I remember hearing recently a theory that we only die because we accept it as an inevitability.

I did see a program that said there was a gene encoded into us which is basically a sort of "self destruct" gene, whereby our body stops regenerating cells.

There has been a lot of privately funded research (mostly by super rich old business tycoons) into turning the gene off, so that we (or they) could theoretically become immortal.

[JRMurdock]

If everyone was immortal (other than the fact overpopulation would drown us) what would define our lives? So many people never became famous until they died. Their death defined them as people. If we live forever, would that type of fame fade away? Would there be no more ambition as there'd be an infinite amout of time to do an infinite number of things? Wouldn't procrastination reign supreme would we be immortal?

Sorry, just throwing that out there. I feel people must have an end point in order to bring their life to closure. No one ever 'wants' to die, but it is something we've not been able to stop. This almost feels like a thread that should be mixed with Gary's scripture thread. :) Is it God's will that we die or just plain bad luck?

[kongming]

Well who was it that said the west was post-history and we don't have heroes and leaders anymore?

If everyone was immortal (other than the fact overpopulation would drown us) what would define our lives? So many people never became famous until they died. Their death defined them as people. If we live forever, would that type of fame fade away? Would there be no more ambition as there'd be an infinite amout of time to do an infinite number of things? Wouldn't procrastination reign supreme would we be immortal?

Sorry, just throwing that out there. I feel people must have an end point in order to bring their life to closure. No one ever 'wants' to die, but it is something we've not been able to stop. This almost feels like a thread that should be mixed with Gary's scripture thread. :) Is it God's will that we die or just plain bad luck?

[JRMurdock]

My point is that some peole were made immortal by their deaths. If everyone was immortal, would we have any more heroes? Having made a name for yourself that carries on, for some, is the point of their lives.

So if we become immortal,doomed never to die, would there really be anything left to live for?

[kongming]

I've got no idea... but I'm guessing yes. I mean eventually something cool will happen. I mean at that point it's a numbers game.

[Gary Wassner]

Protect us from the nihilists who have grown weary with life and seek validation in the hereafter. All we have is what we are now. The past is gone, the future is indefinite. Would you stake the few moments you have on such a possibility?