- Since times immemorial, one of the mysteries that hasn’t been deciphered by humankind is the continuous quest to attain immortality. Despite making humongous contributions in the field of science and technology, leading to remarkable developments, innovations, inventions, and growth all around, humankind has not succeeded in cracking how one can gain immortality to live an extended life. History is replete with extremely adventurous, epochal, and earth-shattering personalities who have walked this beautiful planet, ushering in hitherto unbelievable and unthinkable achievements to further the cause of humankind. However, despite possessing and wielding enormous power, none could conquer Mother Nature’s decree of mortality yet.
PC: AI Alignment Forum
- Contrarily, humanity’s helplessness in going one up on Mother Nature vis-à-vis conquering the mortality conundrum hasn’t stopped enterprising people from making innumerable attempts, though. Yes, innovative attempts to ensure longevity of life keep experimenting perpetually, but results haven’t altered one bit. Interestingly, the issue of immortality came up during the recently concluded SCO meet in China when Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged notes on the subject. Of course, the exchange is less about longevity, more about the desire for endless power. Talks about increasing life expectancy by replacing organs one by one were being exchanged between the two leaders. Powerful leaders’ quest for immortality.
PC: LessWrong
- Mind you, there’s nothing on the scientific horizon to indicate that replacing human organs, like we would with damaged car parts, can increase lifespans. But clearly, Putin – who has made longevity a priority for his health ministry – believes it’s a possibility. The hot mic moment that caught Putin talking immortality with Xi, both 72, and a keen Kim, a toddler in comparison at age 40, has upped the chatter on what’s on the Russian leader’s mind. But, first, a nod to the hot mic, which, along with CCTV, candid cams, and social media, ensures nothing in public will ever be private. Onto the Asian power pack’s obsession with power, yearning for longevity. The round-the-clock medical care and personalized medicine the powerful receive is nothing to sneeze at.
PC: VOA
- Undoubtedly, Xi and Putin intend to remain bosses for good. Putin changed the constitution so he can rule till 2036, when he’ll be 83 years old. China removed the two-term limit on the presidency in 2018, allowing Xi to remain in power for life. Upheavals unleashed by hubris aside, who knows what science & politics may bring about? Last year, per an investigation by a Russian media outlet reported in The Guardian, the Kremlin set up a research centre on Putin’s instructions called New Health Preservation Technologies – dedicated to combating ageing. It reportedly invests in organ-printing tech that uses lab-grown cells to produce replacement organs. Thus, the immortality quest continues unabated even though there’s no sign of any breakthrough soon.
