I was at a literary conference, where not only writers meet but also people who are interested in books and the info they contain, whether fiction or non-fiction.
I was having a glass of wine and chatting with a couple of writers, when this chap sat down next to me and said:
“I hope they “cure” the deterioration of old age because I would like to live a long time to continue and finish all the projects I have on the go.”
I took a good look at this guy, he was very well built and healthy looking for a grey headed fella with quite a few wrinkles on his face.
“Well, there is a writer here that is going to speak about his book on “Immortality”. I guess that’s why you’re here today.”
“Yes, I will probably buy his book and get him to sign it for me.”
“That statement you made when you sat down, It’s a good way to start a conversation,” I smiled.
“I’m sorry if I butted in, but I’m new at these conferences and I am anxious to make acquaintances.”
“That’s alright, the purpose of these meetings is to exchange views on ideas that different writers have written about.”
“Well, I would like to live to at least 160 to complete my projects and see my grandchildren grown up and maybe even my great grandchildren.”
“How old are you?”
“Sixty.”
“So, you’re looking for another 100 years!”
“Yes, but the trouble is that now our cell-repair mechanisms shut down due to old age.”
One of the writers at our table piped up, smiling:
“When I learned of a friend’s death, I asked, what of? I was told apparently it was nothing serious, only old age.”
“Well, that’s my point. I don’t want to die of old age,” said my friend, next to me, very seriously. He had a far away look in his eyes.
“Did you ever consider Cryonics?”
“No, what’s that all about?”
“It’s a “freeze-wait-then re-animate” process. A sort of frozen fountain of youth.”
“You mean when I die, I would be frozen like the food in my refrigerator?”
“Well, freezing does preserve things.”
“How does it work?”
“After death, all your blood is removed and replaced with a fluid that preserves your organs, while they are frozen. Then after a length of time, the technologies of the future could bring you back to life. Defrost you, so to speak, for another lifetime of 100 years or so.”
Our new friend looked very pensive.
“That sounds interesting. The distinction between the living and the dead would become vague and actually blur. Our definitions of death would be re-written!”
“There are a couple of questions yet to be ironed out. Would the brain cells be okay after freezing? Would memory and personal identity be restored?”
“Has anyone been brought back to life yet after defrosting?”
“Not yet, to my knowledge. There was a fella in the late 60’s, who was suspended and apparently his body is checked ever so often, and it seems to be holding up okay. They might try to defrost him soon. As of now, there are approximately 1000 bodies in suspension.”
“Well, it’s a thought,” said my friend, seeking immortality.
One of the other writers at our table said:
“Maybe death is the best part of life; it’s always saved for last!”
We all laughed, except the fella seeking the Fountain of Youth.
I got up from the table and said:
“Well, I have to go now, I’ve got a speech to give. I’ve enjoyed talking to you, here’s my card, we should keep in touch.
THE CARD READ:
CRYONICS INCORPORATED
EXTENDING LIFE THROUGH NEW SCIENCE
Sign me up! I have a rather unhealthy fear of death that’s getting worse as the years pass. Maybe this method could cure me??
How much doe’s it cost? Is it a pay as you go thing? If whom ever is paying the bill forgets to make a payment do they thaw you out so you can get the money you owe them? I think I’ll just die like my ancestors and be buried in a nice crowded cemetary so I’ll have some friends to spend eternity with! L.L.C. Jim
With all the talk about life after death and reincarnation I think I would like to see what there is waiting for us. My belief is it just ends. The energy that was in us still exists but no memory. The energy goes on forever and therefore so do you. Enjoy the next several billion years.
Call if you think of it. I’m sure Dave will write about it. Won’t you?
Larry Primac said:
CRYONICS…sounds like the study of sobbing and crying. When I was a kid my mother would shlep me to the movies to see girlie films and I thought women cried through their noses, because they were always sobbing into hankies and blowing their noses.