In this blog post, we’ll examine the meaning of human death and eternal life from a philosophical perspective and consider why a finite life actually makes human existence more valuable.
Human life expectancy has increased dramatically compared to the past. Thanks to advances in medical technology and science, life expectancy has steadily risen, and in many countries, the average life expectancy has surpassed 80 years. Furthermore, biotechnology research aimed at slowing aging or extending lifespan is actively underway. Given these developments, it is entirely conceivable that in the future, humans might live much longer than they do now with the help of robotics or biotechnology.
However, if humans were to live forever, would they truly be happy? We all live with a fear of death. That is why we sometimes dream of a life where we overcome death and attain eternal life. Yet, eternal life may not necessarily be the best choice for humanity. There are three main reasons for this.
The first reason is that an eternal life that rejects finitude ultimately leads to infinite boredom. While eternal life always makes new beginnings possible, paradoxically, because it has no end, true novelty does not exist either. Conversely, because the life of a mortal is limited by the time allotted, every choice made in each moment holds significant meaning within one’s life. There are limits to these choices, and it is precisely because of these limits that people reflect on and decide what constitutes the most meaningful life for themselves. This process is what gives life its meaning. Within a finite life, boredom finds it difficult to take root. Newness, passion, joy, and gratitude take on deeper meaning precisely because they are finite.
Heidegger states that only when we realize the “true meaning of time” can we recover the true meaning of existence. In other words, time is a crucial factor in determining the meaning of existence. He argues that in order for humans to break free from an inauthentic life and move toward an authentic one, they must become aware of their own death in advance. In other words, one must not turn away from death but face it head-on.
To understand the meaning of existence from Heidegger’s perspective, one must first understand the meaning of time. And understanding the meaning of time means acknowledging the reality of death. Because death exists, the time granted to humans is finite, and every choice and action taken within that finite time carries meaning that defines one’s existence. Only when we acknowledge death can we distinguish between what is truly valuable in life and what is not. The value referred to here does not lie in blindly following stereotypes created by others or society, but in shaping one’s life according to one’s own will and convictions. In other words, it is not a life dictated by the world’s standards, but a free life in which one chooses one’s own direction—this is the path to fulfilling the meaning of existence.
If humans were to attain eternal life, they might end up living a life not of overcoming death, but of endlessly evading it. Even if one became an immortal being, as long as one is aware of the concept of death itself, one could never be completely free from the anxiety of death.
Heidegger states that in a state of anxiety, everything that exists loses its meaning and value.
The anxiety he refers to signifies a state of endlessly evading death rather than facing it head-on. This applies to anyone who cannot acknowledge death. For those living eternally, life becomes hollow because they do not acknowledge death, and endless time could turn humans into beings more akin to objects than living beings. Ultimately, such a life is more likely to make humans unhappy than happy.
The second reason is that if humans were to live forever, society would likely gradually become stagnant. Today’s humanity has developed by inheriting the wisdom and experience accumulated by previous generations. Our forebears passed on the knowledge they gained through countless trials and errors to later generations, and their descendants have taken on the role of further developing that knowledge. This generational transition has been a key driving force behind human progress.
However, if humans became immortal, the need to leave behind descendants would greatly diminish. In nature, humans have evolved to sustain their species by passing down generations. Biologically, new generations are more likely to adapt to changing environments, and psychologically, they often demonstrate greater vitality and a spirit of challenge than previous generations.
Furthermore, if humans lived forever, social roles would not change easily. If someone who has accumulated extensive experience in a particular field over a long period continues to occupy that position, people are likely to be reluctant to entrust that role to someone else. As a result, society would lose opportunities for new talent to grow, and the changes demanded by the times could become increasingly difficult to achieve. Such social stagnation would ultimately sap the vitality of human society as a whole and negatively impact the happiness of its members.
The third reason is that the wealth gap is likely to widen significantly. The technology of immortality is unlikely to become something that everyone can enjoy equally. Rather, it is highly probable that those with vast capital and power will be the first to utilize it. The BBC documentary ‘Hans Rosling’s 200 Countries, 200 Years, 4 Minutes – The Joy of Stats’ demonstrates a trend where average life expectancy increases as income levels rise. This correlation has consistently held true across different eras and countries. If immortality were to become possible, those who access the technology first would be able to accumulate their wealth for much longer, which would ultimately result in a further widening of the wealth gap.
Let’s imagine this scenario. Suppose methods to cure all diseases, technologies to effectively prevent aging, and rejuvenation technologies to maintain youth forever were developed. The immediate result would be levels of anger and anxiety unprecedented in history. Those who cannot afford these new treatments—that is, the vast majority of people—would feel an intense sense of deprivation and rage. One of the reasons the poor and oppressed have been able to find solace throughout human history is the belief that, at the very least, death comes equally to everyone. The fact that no one—no matter how wealthy or powerful—can ultimately escape death has been a factor that guarantees a minimum level of equality for everyone. However, if people come to believe that while they themselves are destined to grow old and die, the wealthy can live forever in youth and health, social conflict will become far more severe than it is today.
In a society with extreme wealth inequality, it is highly likely that only a select few will enjoy happiness. Even if the technology for eternal life becomes a reality, it would be difficult to make it equally available to everyone. Even if scientific and technological advancements reach a level capable of achieving eternal life, it is highly likely that the social class with economic and social privileges will be the first to benefit from this technology. Historically, wealth and power have tended to be concentrated in the hands of a few. Therefore, the technology of eternal life is also highly likely to function as a privilege. Ultimately, the majority of people will feel a sense of relative deprivation, and the conflict between the wealthy and the less fortunate will not easily disappear over time. Even if people’s positions were to switch, as long as inequality exists, humans will find it difficult to achieve true happiness.
If humans were to attain eternal life, they might actually come to view it as a prison of infinite time—due to the boredom stemming from endless time, the stagnation of change caused by a rigid future society, and the sense of relative deprivation resulting from the widening wealth gap. In contrast, every person in the real world is born and lives toward the final destination of death. Whether we want it or not, the time given to us continues to flow, and living out that time is what constitutes human life.
Because humans know that their time is limited, they strive to live each moment more meaningfully. Time spent with loved ones, new challenges, and cherished experiences and memories all shine brighter precisely because they have an end. It is widely known that Franz Kafka said, “Life is precious because it will end someday.” As this quote suggests, human life has meaning precisely because of the limit imposed by death. Because there is an end, we cherish the present, and because life is finite, it takes on a deeper meaning.
