Ask A Genius 602: Definitely Infinitely Finite
Author(s): Rick Rosner and Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Ask A Genius
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2021/07/11
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Rick Rosner: So, I’ve been collecting items from the past two hundred years, mainly for my wife but also for myself. I recently purchased a sampler from 1812, made by a girl named Philadelphia Henderson from South Eastern England. It came with a detailed genealogy, allowing us to trace her family from that time until the present day. There was even a picture of Philadelphia as an old lady. Additionally, I enjoy visiting thrift stores and vintage shops to buy old pictures that fit our collection of frames. It’s fascinating to see how quickly time passes, as these pictures capture moments of people who have likely passed away. For instance, I found a picture of Betty and George standing at their cash register in March 1955. Considering they were likely in their thirties at the time, they would be around 96 years old now if they’re still alive. However, the reality is that we, along with our pets, are all destined to be swept away by time. The universe itself offers little in terms of provisions to halt or care about this inevitability.
Nevertheless, we are on the verge of technological advancements that could significantly extend our lifespan. In the future, people might have the ability to live indefinitely, with their consciousness continuing in some form. However, at the deepest levels of existence, living forever becomes questionable. Infinity, by definition, implies an existence without end, which might not be feasible for any individual consciousness or anything else. Moreover, the purpose of living for an infinite time becomes a topic of examination. As humans, we have evolved to desire life and to not fear its cessation. This desire is what fuels the longing for immortality. While some people currently claim they do not want to live forever, this perspective may change as technology progresses. However, the universe itself and the principles governing existence provide only limited provisions for this desire.
Let’s consider the concept of the set of all possible moments within the set of all possible universes. Each moment exists within a timeline, while the set of possible moments itself transcends time. Although this set’s existence is difficult to analyze mathematically, we can make speculative assumptions. Moments of consciousness, including personal existence, might have a quasi-existence as members of this set. As long as a moment is logically consistent, it can exist within a timeline and be part of the set that transcends time. These are speculative ideas and offer little solace. They don’t provide a means to transcend our bodily constraints, which will require technological advancements that are currently far from perfect. Even as technology improves, there will always be forces that could potentially prevent us from achieving immortality.
The possibility of existing indefinitely, without ever reaching infinity, opens up a question of semantics and the distinction between infinite lifespan and perpetual existence. If there is a difference, does it hold any significance in terms of what we desire and what we will desire as we evolve further? These questions remain unresolved, and I find myself confused and uncertain. Perhaps my musings have only revealed my own ignorance on the subject. And ultimately, I question whether the difference between existing indefinitely and having an infinite lifespan truly matters in the context of our wants and desires as conscious beings. The end.
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