My 5 year old son is learning about life... and death. He recently discovered that all living things eventually die, and only a few seconds later he realized that included everybody he loved, and himself. "Will it be soon?" he asked.
I remember asking the same thing of my parents when I was his age. That would have been 1980. They answered "you will die, but it won't be for a loooong time". That's a way to say it without lying, but it puts the problem off until the person is older and can handle the existential reality. I was able to go about my childhood without having to be too concerned with it. I think that's a courtesy we provide to our children - a decade or so of not having to worry too much about their mortality. I think this encourages carefree early years and likely leads to better outcomes. Still, it's really just delaying the truth, and we all eventually have to face the facts.
Back to Brett, who was searching my face for hints about what we were talking about, trying to learn even more than I was willing to say. "Will it be soon?"
Thing is, the answer may not be the same one my parents gave. Things have changed in the 45 years since I was asking that question. 1980 was before computers. We had little clue what was headed our way. My parents told me what parents have always told their children, which is to try not to fear their inevitable death. But in 2025, are my children destined for death in about 80 years, just like all their ancestors?
In 80 years, when my children are old, it will be 2105. Most experts who study the future and trends in science/technology believe we will achieve "the singularity" in about 2037. That's when computing power goes exponential and greatly surpasses anything we humans are capable of. Total disclosure of all information. All secrets discovered, all mysteries solved. New technologies will be created in the blink of an eye. Many believe we will achieve unlimited energy at or around the singularity point.
So in 10-15 years, nothing about our current lives will be the same. Currently, we are extending the average life expectancy of humans by a few weeks, every year. After the singularity, we will have reached the point where we can extend the life of humans by more than 1 year, every year. In other words, most of us will not have to die except through causes like accidents, murders, and suicides. Dying from cancer, heart disease, diabetes, malaria, Covid, and other causes will be unheard of.
Will we actually be able to roll out this technology to the entire planet, immediately? I doubt it. But it does seem like we're close to being able to do it - for individuals to not have to die. Even before then, it's likely we'll be able to "save" our consciousnesses and continue on outside our physical flesh. Maybe inject that saved consciousness into other devices, other vessels, other bodies. It's all just a few years away. Many believe the elites are close to achieving this... or already have done so secretly. In any case, it's close. After the singularity, all that will be reality.
So in the 22nd century, assuming humanity still exists and is continuing to advance, it's extremely unlikely my children will have to die, at least through any of the ways common today. I'm certainly they'll be facing other struggles, but common mortality doesn't appear to be one of them.
As for myself? I'm 50 this year, with serious health problems that have come out of nowhere in the last decade. I'm fit, and healthy... except for atrial fibrillation since 2021 (in remission since surgery in 2024)... a nerve disorder similar to MS since 2016... and a recent gut problem that seems to be diverticulosis that will require surgery. So actually, I guess you could say I'm "fit... but not healthy". I eat well, I'm active, I research health and nutrition, I don't have unhealthy habits... but in the last several years I've been hit with all sorts of issues that nobody can explain.
Will I still be alive in 10 to 15 years? I'll be somewhere between 60 and 65 at that point. My daughter will be in high school. I'm certainly hoping to still be around! My ancestors generally lasted into their 70s or 80s without too much trouble, and I've lived a much more health-conscious life, with access to (supposedly) the best healthcare in history. So unless my unexplained heart issue returns and I can't get help for it, or my gut or nerve issue get out of hand, or something else suddenly pops up, there's no reason to believe I won't still be young and spry by 2037 or so, for the singularity.
So to answer Brett's question...
If he were capable of fully grasping it, my reply would be "yes, you will die, but it could be hundreds or even thousands of years from now. Humanity is on the verge of a paradigm shift. If we survive it, and come out on top, and avoid the technology itself taking over, then there's a very real chance you won't have to die until you're ready to. And with any luck, I'm going to join you."
DRutter
