Immortality
If immortality could be purchased, would you ever consider it?. As tempting as it is, my answer to this in a heartbeat is NO. Here's why;
For one to truly value something, it's opposite negative energy must have been felt, be it directly or indirectly at one time or the other. Let me explain this; someone who has seen or felt abject poverty will definitely value his riches when it comes, someone who has experienced pain and sadness will always value the relief and joy they may get thereafter. In the same vain, I think when people have felt or seen death in close proximity, they start to value life more.
I speak solely for myself when I say that the certainty and uncertainty of death is what gives a certain thrill to life. I described death as a certain yet uncertain event here because it's certain that all humans will die one day and this knowledge gives us a drive to do something for ourselves before our time runs out, this alone gives us the 'what' and 'why' we need to do things in this lifetime. It's uncertain because no one knows when the grim reaper comes to collect his bounty. I won't be exaggerating when I say this reason gives me an adrenaline rush, a push as to 'when' to do what I need to do.
My point is this, with immortality, life loses its meaning. Every new day is just another day to either "try new things", do the same old things or just observe what goes on around you. The first century may be fun but eventually, you'll get tired of living,I know for a fact that I will too. You'll end up becoming a literal passerby even though you are immortal because you won't want to connect with people only to watch them fade away while you still remain, haunted by the memories for all eternity. You get demoted from being a key player in life's games to an observer, a spectator whose opinions hardly matter. Yes you get to see new trends come and go, travel the word as you wish, amass wealth, fame, fortune but what happens when you've done it all?. What happens when you've exhausted every thing life has to offer you?.
Personally, no matter the benefits of immortality, it's something I won't subscribe to. I won't like to watch the people I love and happen to bond with over time die and leave me behind, not to mention the pain of losing my immediate family. I won't like to carry the burdens of my transgressions, pain, hurt and regret for all time. In the not too distant future, I know I'll want peace, to join my loved ones on the other side and it's going to be awfully pathetic begging an entity I loathe to offer me respite in the end knowing fully well that he won't be able to collect his bounty due to the choice I made.
Besides, I won't kid myself by thinking that the cost of immortality will be in monetary terms. It's going to come at an outrageously exorbitant price with no bargaining chip and no refunds, it's going to be something that you'll never forget, something you'll hate to lose. Scary fact is a lot of people will convince themselves it's worth it so that they can escape the grim reaper but I love the thrill I get out of playing life's games plus, I know I'm not willing to pay the ultimate price (whatever it may be) to attain immortality.
Life is beautiful, but it's also short and that's why we need to make every moment count.