Many people dream of living forever, escaping the inevitable fate of death. But what if immortality is not a blessing, but a curse? What if being immortal means living in constant pain, isolation, and boredom? What if the price of eternal life is too high to pay?
This is the premise of many urban legends that explore the horror of immortality. These stories are not meant to inspire hope, but to instill fear and dread. They show us the dark side of living beyond our natural lifespan, and the consequences of defying the laws of nature.
In this article, we will examine some of the most terrifying urban legends about immortality, and why they make us question our desire for eternal life.
Stagnation of Evolution: Immortality May Cause Organisms to Stop Evolving and Become Isolated from Surrounding Life
One of the main arguments against immortality is that it would stop the process of evolution. Evolution is the change in the characteristics of living organisms over generations, driven by natural selection and genetic variation. It is the mechanism that allows life to adapt to changing environments, and to diversify into new forms and species.
But if an organism is immortal, it does not need to adapt or diversify. It can survive in any condition, and does not have to compete with other organisms for resources or mates. It does not have to pass on its genes to offspring, and does not have to face the risk of mutation or extinction. It becomes a static and isolated entity, disconnected from the rest of life.
This is the case of the coelacanth, a fish that is often called a “living fossil”. The coelacanth is one of the oldest living animals on Earth, dating back to the Devonian period, about 400 million years ago. It has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years, and has no close living relatives. It is thought to have a very slow metabolism, and a very long lifespan, possibly exceeding 100 years. It lives in deep and dark waters, where it faces little predation or competition. It is a rare and elusive creature, that was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1938.
The coelacanth is an example of how immortality can lead to stagnation and isolation of evolution. It is a relic of the past, that has no place in the present or the future. It is a curiosity, but not a model for life.
Different Appearance: Evolved Humans with Immortality May Differ from Current Humans in Appearance and Physiology, and May Not Be Able to Adapt to Their Old Environment
Another argument against immortality is that it would create a gap between the immortal and the mortal. If some humans achieve immortality, either through genetic engineering, nanotechnology, or cybernetics, they would become a separate and superior species from the rest of humanity. They would have different needs, desires, and values, and would not be able to relate to or communicate with the mortal humans. They would also have a different appearance and physiology, as they would evolve to suit their new environment and lifestyle.
This is the scenario of many science fiction stories, that depict the future of humanity as a divided and unequal society. In these stories, the immortal humans live in luxurious and advanced cities, while the mortal humans live in poverty and oppression. The immortal humans are often portrayed as having pale skin, large eyes, and bald heads, as they do not need melanin, hair, or eyebrows to protect them from the sun or the cold. They also have enhanced senses, intelligence, and abilities, as they have access to the latest technology and information. They are the rulers and the masters of the world, and they have no empathy or compassion for the mortal humans.
The immortal humans are an example of how immortality can lead to difference and alienation of appearance and physiology. They are not the same as the current humans, and they do not belong to their old environment. They are a threat, but not a goal for humanity.
Mental Strain: Although the Body May Remain Young, Mental Growth and Memory Capacity May Be Limited, Which May Cause Distress
A third argument against immortality is that it would cause mental strain and suffering. Even if the body can remain young and healthy, the mind may not be able to cope with the burden of immortality. The mind may have a limited capacity for growth and memory, and may not be able to store or process all the information and experiences that immortality entails. The mind may also lose its sense of purpose and meaning, as it does not have to face the challenges and opportunities that mortality offers.
This is the theme of many psychological horror stories, that explore the mental effects of immortality. These stories show us the anguish and despair of immortal beings, who are trapped in an endless cycle of boredom, repetition, and regret. They show us the loss of identity and personality, as the immortal beings forget who they are and what they have done. They show us the madness and insanity, as the immortal beings become obsessed, paranoid, or violent.
The immortal beings are an example of how immortality can lead to mental strain and distress. They are not happy or fulfilled, but miserable and tormented. They are not wise or enlightened, but ignorant and deluded.
Effects of Accidents: Even with Immortality, There is a Risk of Becoming Immobilized Due to Accidents or Environmental Effects, and Living in This State for an Extended Period of Time Can Be Distressing
A fourth argument against immortality is that it would not protect from accidents or environmental effects. Even if the body can heal from any injury or disease, it may not be able to escape from certain situations or conditions that may impair its function or mobility. For example, the body may be buried under rubble, frozen in ice, burned by fire, or drowned in water. The body may also be affected by natural disasters, wars, or pollution, that may damage or destroy its environment. In these cases, the body may be stuck in a state of pain, fear, or boredom, and may not be able to free itself or end its life.
This is the plot of many survival horror stories, that depict the nightmare of immortality. These stories tell us the ordeals and horrors of immortal beings, who are trapped in extreme and hostile situations, and who have to endure unimaginable suffering and agony. They tell us the hopelessness and helplessness, as the immortal beings have no way out and no control over their fate. They tell us the cruelty and irony, as the immortal beings wish for death, but cannot die.
The immortal beings are an example of how immortality can lead to immobilization and distress. They are not invincible or immortal, but vulnerable and mortal. They are not free or adventurous, but captive and terrified.
Conclusion: Immortality is Not a Dream, but a Nightmare
Immortality is often seen as a desirable and positive goal, that would grant us eternal happiness and peace. But as we have seen, immortality is not a dream, but a nightmare. It is not a solution, but a problem. It is not a gift, but a curse.
Immortality would stop the process of evolution, and create a gap between the immortal and the mortal. It would cause mental strain and suffering, and expose us to the risk of becoming immobilized due to accidents or environmental effects. It would rob us of our humanity, and our dignity.
Immortality is not something we should pursue, but something we should avoid. It is not something we should celebrate, but something we should fear. It is not something we should aspire to, but something we should reject.
Immortality is not a blessing, but a horror.
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