Sequel to articles “The Last Generations” & “Examining Biological Immortality In Nature”
“…discover first hand the eternity of Life, Light, and Truth, as well as the illusion of Death, Darkness, and Sin… Though the modern world may know a million secrets, the ancient world knew one–and that one was greater than the million; for the million secrets breed death, disaster, sorrow, selfishness, lust, and avarice, but the one secret confers life, light, and truth. The time will come when the secret wisdom shall again be the dominating religious and philosophical urge of the world… The Dying God shall rise again!” — Manly Hall
“Get busy living or get busy dying.” — The Shawshank Redemption
An algorithm is a set of instructions implemented for problem solving or computation. Let’s examine some logical instructions for immortality.
01. Belief
Let’s start with the deepest instruction. Many philosophers and other figures of note have agreed, that the power of belief is potent. Affirmations and meditation then affirm the belief, as well as way of life. Focus on life and joy is based in faith; focus on death is fear-based and generates anxiety and pressure. Could death now be the greatest modern farce and irony. That we have the gift of life and then focus on supposedly inevitable death and “heaven.” It looks to me like we live in the heavens! Just look at the sky, or photos from the Hubble telescope. Yes though, there are layers we can’t see. What I’m saying is — I believe we have options.
Humanity seems to be at a point both technologically and spiritually to opt out of death, as determined by the individual, to be able to upgrade and transform within the same life cycle (although many came before to get to this point). And the individual must of course love life and cosmos in order to want to continue. Rest? Bodiless travel? That’s what we have sleep for. For youthfulness and quality of life the individual must be in a regeneration mindset instead of a degenerative one. This implies faith in the body / the self’s ability to heal and learn/evolve. Biological immortality is a great quantum leap and inevitably creates new culture.
“Matter is the necessary channel for the self differentiation of spirit.” — Genevieve Behrend
The famous phrase “live fast die young” comes from the 1940s novel Knock On Any Door by Willard Motley, made into a movie starring Humphrey Bogart. The entire phrase was: “I wanna live fast, die young and leave a beautiful corpse.” A horrid picture to paint, in my opinion. Fortunately though, that notion is fast dying out. That’s been the sentiment of the previous age, and has passed for glamour and glory. Now let’s explore a new glamour: Life and living. And how to activate the “ageless algorithm.”
Algorithms are a set of instructions implemented to solve a puzzle or problem, and programming turns them on or off. So let’s start with the programming, run by the hardware and operating systems that comprise the human being.
Many scholars and philosophers have agreed that we become what we think about. As Marcus Aurelius said, “A soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” It follows then that a society or person preoccupied with or engaged with death will become death.
“You are what you eat,” said Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in 1825 in his book, the title of which translates as Physiology of Taste or Meditations on Transcendental Gastronomy. ¹ The title of his book encapsulates not only food that you eat but also food for thought. Keep this under consideration as we now turn to specific solutions for the algorithm.
Solution #1: Food
Longevity has been linked to a plant-based or mostly plant-based diet with plenty of raw foods. It stands to reason that immortality is too. “Let thy food be thy medicine,” the immortal phrase uttered by Hippocrates is appropriate here. What’s funny is that’s kind of what life was doing before all the self-awareness and analysis. Yet, now we can do that deliberately, and better! And that’s more effective.
Fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts & seeds are the most nutrient dense foods and do not need to be cooked to be enjoyed. In raw form they provide live active enzymes that aid in digestion and overall optimal body function. Another plus — They don’t flee when pursued.
Solution #2: Belief
It was Napoleon Hill that said: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.” This notion is becoming a bit more mainstream, that the power of belief and choice is potent, and perhaps eventually omnipotent. That would mean for one who desires and believes in immortality, and loves life, that can be achieved.
At this stage in human evolution and knowledge, death becomes a farce. Perhaps in a way it always was. Life continues to become more comfortable and technology expands our reach. I, for one, have no problem being comfortable! After generations of fight or flight, we deserve it.
The passé scenario of self sacrifice followed by decline reminds me Monty Python’s Life Of Brian. Eric Idle’s character responds to the Roman centurion’s query “Crucifixion or death?” by saying, “They said I hadn’t done anything and I could go and live on an island somewhere.” I’ll take the island on this Eden, spaceship Earth.
“You have to want it to win it.” I’m not sure about the exact origins of this phrase — perhaps eighties lottery advertising — but “It” for the purpose of this article is arrival, after the passage from the birth canal of survival, to a point at which we can deliberately transform ourselves and transmute genetics in sub-cycles of a long life. Affirmations and meditation can reinforce the new expansive beliefs.
“Live Slow Die Whenever” ~ T-shirt
Solution #3: The Tao
The Tao means way and pace of life. It’s a beautiful paradox, that time and quality can warp as we see fit, depending on the choices and perspectives of our personal universe. And what a grand cosmos we have as a home.
If death is no longer in the equation, there is of course more “time” for activities that are conducive to longevity. Sleep, for example, becomes a blessedly regenerative activity rather than an obligation, and a time for the body to rest and rebuild. Yes, it already is — yet with full realization of life, even more celebratory and relished.
Popularized over the past year, the Sloth is the perfect mascot for taking one’s time. Wag your finger at that creature, it’ll only blink and say, “Whatever man – you wanna rush to the finish line, that’s your business.”
Here in the USA there has been an atmosphere of artificial pressure from constant busyness to somehow prove the legitimacy of one’s existence and avoid being called — gasp — “lazy.” However the pandemic experience has turned the tide away from judgmental, militaristic mannerisms towards what I consider a more realistic state of being.
One logical conclusion to draw: The stress of the constant grind, or fight or flight, is a bit toxic to the modern mind. I’m not saying don’t do things — it’s the how.
At this next level of awareness we don’t have to be addicted to drama. To quote The Dude in The Big Lebowski, “This isn’t ‘Nam.” There are still plenty of conflicts going on, but (open-ended question) is that really what we want to go on perpetuating? With some effort each of us can continue in a healthier way after pandemic dis-ease — in my opinion, starting with tuning in to one’s now surroundings.
A few options among the cornucopia
Solution #4: Supplementation
Nature has always been at our side at the ready. There’s a plant to address every condition and ailment. So one key of immortality is getting back to nature — augmenting it instead of destroying it. It’s very logical. Destruction of life leads to death. This means no more hacking rainforests to bits and instead listening to indigenous cultures about how to cultivate.
Concerning what specific supplements to take, there are so many options to address the multifaceted state of wellness. I’m currently collecting botanical extracts! In my previous article about examples of immortality in nature, I mentioned the substance Trehalose, produced by some organisms as a means of preservation and longevity. Trehalose is a sugar that one can actually purchase easily online as an alternative sweetener.
Another supplement specifically linked to longevity is NAD+, a coenzyme involved in hundreds of metabolic processes and linked to adult stem cells; also Reservatrol, a protective compound produced by blueberries and grapes. My thinking is, it’s great to supplement, and better to do so mindfully, regarding them as augmentation and not dependency. The earth is rich with remedy our DNA primed for activations or upgrades.
Disco Inspiration
Solution #5: Technology
Let’s not forget the human gold mind and our capacity to learn and build. Some emergent technologies that can help us in the quest for long and high quality life spans include: Stem Cell Therapy, Genetic Therapy and Modification with Nanotechnology, Restorative Frequency technology and other noninvasive medicine, Solar Electricity systems and other Eco-tech. Any of those technologies or aforementioned solutions I recommend as topics of further reading and research. Within the context of longevity and immortality (and sustainability, because our paths are linked with our environment and home planet) — well, that’s the new frontier. And as Patrick Hernandez sang in 1979, we’re “Born To Be Alive.”
Thank you Immortalists Magazine for featuring my essay. This magazine is building momentum and has some fascinating content. On Instagram: @immortalistsmagazine
During the first part of quarantine I became immensely engrossed in learning about Investing and participating in the market, and experiencing the best of what the United States financial institutions have to offer. In the past I have been uninterested because of both not knowing from having a negative impression, and also not realizing that I could put my own spin on things.
What dissuaded me in the past was having a bundle of companies prescribed to me a la 401k that I didn’t know about. I felt like a lot of these companies would be engaged in activities that I didn’t agree with. However, what I have come to realize is what works for *me and how much I enjoy it: To really engage by doing market research and selecting companies that are to the best of my knowledge in alignment with my values, and continuing to create ideal society and heal environment. I also want to select investments that I believe will do well and want to do well. For me the best investments satisfy those conditions.
I like to know that as I grow my portfolio I am getting behind some solid companies and endeavors. Most recently I purchased a clean energy ETF because I feel there’s no going wrong investing in renewables. That’s just the way things are going with the explosion of solar in particular. This is an obvious win – win to me.
This may go without saying — I am clearly focused on some longer-term growth with this outlook. However, there are definitely some stocks that I have held for a shorter term.
Here’s some promising longer term avenues in my book: Renewable energy, sustainable forestry, circular plastics, concrete and other building materials that are not wood, Cultured or cell-based meats, Responsible biotech, aerospace, technology in general, hemp, bamboo, medicinal psychedelics and the list goes on and on.
More short term investments would be related to products, entertainment, technology, and services.
To conclude, I’ve come to an understanding of the positive power of the markets and how I can be involved. I really enjoy doing so and that definitely helps. The more I learn the more it inspires my personal business ventures and overall optimistic outlook for how existing systems can be used and how they can evolve. Could we have different systems? Yes, of course. There are always different ways of doing things. But there is also a certain kind of magic in doing the best you can with what you have – and that’s a lot.
Somehow the fish that crawled out of the ocean made a decision and developed legs. The desire and impetus were there to make a necessary change, and it was a success. Choosing to evolve can be viewed as always a success.
What about the curious creatures in nature who seem to have evolved away from biological death and have ways to prolong life by regeneration.
Could this be next for humans just as a matter of course and necessity? Each generation that biologically passes on, something is lost and has to be taught again, and then re-learned in a new way. This kind of evolution is rather slow, and there’s enough recorded history now to be able to see this.
Yuval Noah Harari, although his outlook is rather dark, uttered a monumental phrase for the current age: “Death is optional.” This very well could be the last generation of humans who consider death to be an inevitable, inescapable fact. That would free up a lot of energy to relax and enjoy the growth wouldn’t it.
We’ve seen a marvelous wave of mind expanding scientific innovations in recent times, especially spurred by the inward looking experience of the pandemic. Not only can promising physical technologies prolong and regenerate life – the spiritual technology of conscious belief is equally powerful, the power of considering and wrapping one’s mind around possibilities one was unaware of before.
This is not irreligious — the continuation of life is an expression of a benevolent universe, as Einstein referred to it. This is a place of life and growth. If one wants to die, so be it. That’s the way things have been, but there could also be a group of people who decide not to.
The issue of there being enough room on this planet is rendered null by the next chapter of aerospace innovation – the development of deep space propulsion, and active exploration of and colonizing other planets. We now know there are many! Having the space is not an issue.
We have an infinite universe to populate. And these projects are a whole lot easier with more continuity – that is, longer life spans. There’s much to be excited about here. Of course, this is my personal view.
Both innovations in biotech and aerospace are extremely supportive of longer life spans, respectively making moves towards noninvasive medicine and biological enhancements, and space travel. Again and obviously, not everyone is going to want this. However many will probably come around given the rate of technological advancement, and how its existence expands our minds.
Generations of humans have been waiting for immortality really, alongside exploration of the universe. Their history of longing is palpable. Perhaps the only “hell” is continuing to believe existence has to be finite, or has to pass on to a metaphysical realm (to each their own and I won’t even crack into the multiverse concept at this juncture) and that death is inevitable. Going forward, it could just be a matter of choice.
This represents a new way of being, a new level of consciousness, that has to take hold in one’s very cells – what’s been referred to as “the biology of belief.” Cells and systems can become imbued with this new way of thinking, and reengineer themselves accordingly.
Looking around us in the cosmos there’s an infinite amount of resources, both visible to our eyes and (as yet) invisible. And the human body is an open energetic system, so it seems quite plausible that biological immortality is already possible. (The Tardigrade’s off to the side saying “Duh!”) It’s just a matter of redirecting consciousness and belief systems which in turn enhance the physical.
This could be the last generation bound necessarily by the death concept. We’ll see. I for one am deeply inspired by this consideration, and the more I learn and new truth I seek, the more this gets reinforced. I have been coming into trusting my unified self as a self healing system and using meditation in part as a means of internal communication.
There may well be people who are offended by this essay, or think I’m crazy. The real craziness though is being unwilling to think, and blind to exploration. I would say that’s like a fish who saw another fish growing legs saying “What do you wanna go and do that for? We’ve always been in the water – That’s how things have always been!” That mindset of course is an evolutionary standstill.
None of this conflicts with existence of a higher intelligence or cosmic being(s). And I would say believing in inevitable death could be viewed as just as potentially radical or irreligious as believing in infinite life in the spiritual, and even physical sense. What’s your hurry, right? This place ain’t good enough for you? This could perhaps be why the Hindu calendar still considers us in the dark ages.
Time will tell… We’ve got the awareness of quantum physics now, in which energy never dies, and everything is flexible, even the measure of time. Concepts evolves with us as humanity co-creates our reality and keeps on discovering.
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