Yes, but that is already the case! And remember, if some of the things I discussed in the post become a reality, you will have a different type of brain than the one you currently enjoy. It will have greatly enhanced memory storage. The self is in constant flux and creation. You will be as different when you're 80 as you are now compared to your younger self. The same would be true if you lived for centuries ad infinitum. Yes, I think the pursuit of novelty will be key to remain sane. I don't think anyone would "opt out"; even if they think they would now.I imagine that there would be a whole lot of life that we would simply forget-- everyday stuff, like what we ate for lunch two days ago, or 50 or 250 years ago.
our attitudes, ideas, beliefs and tendencies have had a lifetime of internal and external forces working on them. How might that change over endless stretches of time?
For some, novelty might even become the ultimate pursuit.
I suspect that I would elect to live forever, if I could. I'll try anything once.
Right, I was saying that if we could somehow be biologically 25 forever, with 100% perfect cell replacement, but no other augmentations. Though, now that I think about it, if one knew that one would live forever then it stands to reason that one would likely find or create ways to alter the body, if only for novelty's sake. I've mentioned this to you before, but I think you might find Warren Ellis' Transmetropolitan to be entertaining. It deals with issues of transhumanism and future tech and the human need for novelty. It even features designer STDs and a segment of the populace who have introduced extraterrestrial DNA into their bodies to change species. It's a comic book, but I think it really plays with a lot of very interesting ideas, very well.
Hm. Yes, several people have told me about Transmetropolitan now. Perhaps it is an indication that I read it! Thanks for suggesting it. Maybe that could be some good weekend reading.