Man’s search for Immortality
In
one of the whatsapp group in which I am a part of, we were discussing the
concept of immortality. So, I was able to realise that everyone has this innate
desire to leave a mark in this planet which will be long remembered.
Stephen
Covey, states that the purpose of human life is to live, to love, to learn and
leave a legacy. By saying, leave a legacy he says that human beings are capable
of leaving a strong footprint in this planet, by doing something significant
that the future generations will remember them for.
As
I ponder, on this I am able to think of a number of ways, by how human beings
can make their presence felt in this earth, even after they die.
Eponym: Eponyms are terms, laws, theories or any
findings named after a person. For example, Newton’s law, Darwin’s theory, Archimedes
Principle are some of the many. So, people by virtue of inventing or finding
something, create a name for themselves, which is forever remembered by their
name.
Being an Author: Though we may die, our thoughts can
continue to live on this earth as words, as long as it is worth being read. For
example, Thiruvalluvar who lived over 2000 years back, is still remembered
through his Thirukural, which stays relevant even today. Similarly, there are
many poets, philosophers, scholars who have etched a mark for themselves by their
valuable thoughts in words.
Work of Art, Music and Architecture: Leonard da Vinci is remembered for
his paintings. Beethoven continues to live in the memory of people, through his
symphony Shahjahan is remembered for his great work on marble - the Taj Mahal. Many
Kings and Rulers, engaged in creating masterpieces of architecture, art and music,
to be remembered in the annals of
history.
Statue & Memorials: Putting up a Statue or a Memorial in
honour of great leader or a noble man is also an way, for that person to be
remembered by the future generations.
Naming of Road or Area: It is quite common to see some road
names, street names or an area in the name of some political leader, in India.
For example, many towns in Tamilnadu have a Annanagar ( in memory of the past
Chief Minister of the State). This trend continues.
Founders of a religion
or a cult: Founders
of religion or some religious cult, have attained the status of immortality
through their preachings. Some examples includes: Jesus Christ, Buddha, Mahavira, Bodhidharma
and Sai Baba.
Through Charity: People donate their money or service
to educational or social institution, and as a mark of honouring their
contribution, a building or a part of the
building is named after them. It is yet another noble way of leaving the name,
in the minds of people.
Donating Eyes and
Organs: One more
people continue to live after they die is by donating the organs to a needy person.
Though this may not exceed for a long time, it still makes an impact in the
life of the person who benefitted by it and brings a good name for the person
who donated it.
Having and Nurturing Children: One of the simple ways, a man remains
immortal is by having and nurturing good children. In India, we have this
concept of ancestral worship too, which makes it possible. A parent who has
left a good name, fame and fortune for his family will be remembered for atleast
3 generations, which may be a timeline of 200 years.
So,
my assumption is that, History doesn’t remember most of the people who lived in
this earth for more than 200 years. A very few have lasted in the memory for
2000 years. So, even this concept of immortality has a time frame. But, my
thought is that, all those people who are looked up as immortals today, perhaps
didn’t have a desire to be an immortal. They just did their work with great
passion and as a result of their achievement or contribution, they have
attained this stature. So, let us just continue doing our best in whatever we
do. Who knows? We may attain this stature of immortality too.
D. Senthil Kannan,
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