Immortality

Immortality is the concept of living in a physical or spiritual form for an infinite length of time. The concept of immortality has been prevalent in human thought, in forms such as the mythological stories, religious texts, and the quest for the Fountain of Youth and Elixir of Life.

Concept

The concept of immortality is often associated with the soul in many societies, due to the belief of an immortal spiritual life. In these cultures, immortality is often promised as a reward to people who live a life of virtue and righteousness.

Scientific Perspective

From a scientific perspective, immortality is seen as an impossibility due to the laws of thermodynamics. However, the concept of biological immortality is a phenomenon observed in some animals like the jellyfish Turritopsis dohrnii, which is capable of reverting its cells back to their earliest form and grow anew.

Philosophical Perspective

In philosophy, immortality is often discussed in the context of the nature of the soul and the afterlife. Philosophers such as Plato and Descartes believed in an immortal soul that lives on after death.

Religious Perspective

In many religions, immortality is promised as a reward in the afterlife. In Christianity, it is believed that believers will receive eternal life. In Hinduism, the soul is considered immortal and goes through a cycle of birth and death until it achieves Moksha.

In Popular Culture

Immortality is a popular subject in literature, film, and television. It is often portrayed as a desirable attribute, despite the potential problems it could cause.

See Also

• Eternal youth
• Life extension
• Reincarnation
• Resurrection

References

Immortality Resources
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