Immortality

/ɪmˈmɔːrtæləti/ noun

Definition

The state of living forever and never dying; or lasting forever in people's memories.

Etymology

From Latin 'immortalitas,' from 'im-' (not) + 'mortalis' (mortal, subject to death). The prefix and root come from Indo-European 'mer-' meaning 'to die.' The concept obsessed ancient civilizations from Egypt to Rome.

Kelly Says

Every human culture invents immortality stories—heaven, reincarnation, digital consciousness—because we're the only animal aware we'll die. Achieving 'immortality' through fame is the consolation prize our brains invented to handle that terror.

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