Living eternally

ANNOUNCEMENT: For this particular event, the owner of Dong Qu has kindly agreed to host us. Do buy a drink or two as a token of appreciation!
Venue: 3rd floor (take lift) https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dwd4XAi9LbGNG2D26

From myths of the Fountain of Youth to modern quests for life extension, the dream of immortality has captivated humanity for centuries. Who hasn’t, at some point, wondered what it would be like to live forever? Yet history shows us that this desire, when pursued at all costs, has often led to tragedy—particularly when those in power become obsessed with evading death.

In this discussion, we’ll explore whether immortality is truly desirable in itself. Our conversation will be guided by philosopher Bernard Williams’ influential paper The Makropulos Case, which examines Karel Čapek’s play The Makropulos Affair—a story that probes the costs and consequences of eternal life.
With modern medicine extending lifespans and curing diseases once deemed fatal, humanity is inching ever closer to its age-old dream. But as life expectancy rises, so too do the social, ethical, and existential questions. Could endless life lead to endless meaning—or endless boredom? What happens to human motivation, relationships, and society when death is no longer inevitable?

Join us as we debate these questions, weighing the allure and the perils of living without end. Whether you’re a fan of philosophy, literature, or simply curious about the future of humanity, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Bibliography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Makropulos_Affair
https://www3.nd.edu/~pweithma/Readings/Williams/Williams%20on%20Immortality.pdf
https://aporia.byu.edu/pdfs/richael-immortality_and_regret.pdf
https://andrewmbailey.com/jmf/Immortality.pdf