Samantha Duddy 25078772 Immortality

Now-a-days, people are confronted with images of perfection or everlasting beauty (immortality). With the help of technology people are able to live longer and “healthier” lives.

People are influenced by ‘superstars’ or trendsetters with their technology … not all of these images are a realistic representation … but that is what people see and what they want to imitate.

People use technology, such as computers, surgery, pills, etc to live longer, thereby becoming immortal.

The world as a whole has become unhealthy – food, pollution, etc …. People with money (wealthy South Africans) have the luxury to delay the effects of today’s diseases and unhealthy living. Therefore, one could say that they have money and power to delay death, whereas people who are poor or less fortunate … have to rely on handouts and sometimes don’t have money or facilities to prevent or better themselves.

Timothy Leary says, “Death is merely a lack of information,” which means that if people do not have access to the information or technology, they will then die. The poorer people in South Africa would therefore not be able to access this information. Therefore one could say that the people who cannot afford these luxuries of these innovations, they will then become known as prehistoric. If the people who are able to afford these innovations become immortal, the people who don’t – will die off.

Past humanity can be said to be the fusion of technology and humanity, artificial and real; while this line is becoming ever more – thinner, in terms of cloning, medication, identity, communication and simulated emotions.

A foundation in which many people have based their lives and beliefs is their religion. In contemporary society people are disregarding their foundations … they are thereby going against the Bible, as it says, … that your body is a temple of God … and that you love it the way it is.

Patterns are favored over presence. Patterns in terms of endurance, thereby attains a kind of immortality. Physical forms can be reconstitutes – people are now being regarded as informational patterns, therefore, being immune to corruption/disease/viruses.

In terms of relating the above to a South African context, one could say that most of South Africa is not technologically and economically developed. There are many poor people who do not have access to these facilities. Therefore, this ‘immortal’ life can be seen as a luxury to many South Africans. With all of the hardships and diseases in South Africa, no one can afford to be excluded. Why should some people suffer while others do not? Life is a luxury in itself and everyone should be able to live it healthily.