The Dilemma of Agelessness: Would You Pick Younger or Older?
I was born at a time when men have witnessed some amazing things and hope to see many more. If I were given the ability to time travel and forced to choose between staying younger or aging further, I would have a tough decision on my hands.
Most people would not choose to be older. Age is associated with decline and death, and we all wish we could change the past. Sure, changing too much of the past could alter the events that made us who we are, but the idea isn't ideal. Aside from children who want to grow up for more freedom, I can't see any reasons why an adult person would choose to be older.
The Prodigal Time Lord and Eternal Youth
Take, for example, the character of The Doctor from the television series Doctor Who. In the real episode Shada, an episode penned by Douglas Adams, an old friend of the Doctor's time lord decides to stay in the past. He is so old that people no longer notice him, highlighting the challenges of eternal youth. If someone were to remain 23 forever, people might notice.
Life’s Journey and the Drawbacks of Eternal Youth
This question forces us to reflect on our life and maybe choose the best year or stage we had. However, the truth is life is all about moving forward, drifting with the flow, and heading where it takes you. I believe that even if it's a lot of fun, no one would want to be eternally stuck at one particular age. Excess of anything can make it dull. If you had the time of your life at 18, it wouldn't be as fun if you were 18 forever. Because the fact that you had such a special moment only once makes it so memorable.
If we look at Achilles from the movie Troy, he famously declared, “Because we are doomed. You will never be lovelier than you are now, and we will never be here again.” Therein lies the paradox: the very fact that you can't relive your happiest moments is the reason they are your happiest. That's my opinion. To each their own.
Conclusion
The choice between staying younger or aging further is a complex one. While eternal youth may seem like an attractive option, the joy and uniqueness of each stage of life make staying at one age somewhat tedious. Life is about the journey and the memories we create, and every stage has its own charm and significance.
Related Questions:
1. What would be the impact on society if people could choose to stay younger or older indefinitely?
2. How would the concept of immortality change our perspectives on life and death?
3. Are there any historical figures who achieved greatness because of their age, and could their success have been different had they remained younger?