The act of preserving human stays at extraordinarily low temperatures with the hope of future revival is a apply that has captured the creativeness of many. Pushed by technological optimism, this course of seeks to droop organic decay, providing the potential of resuscitation when medical developments allow the reversal of the freezing course of and the remedy of the unique explanation for loss of life. These contemplating this feature usually accomplish that with the aspiration of experiencing future prospects, benefiting from superior medical remedies, or just prolonging their existence past the boundaries of present lifespan expectations.
Motivations for partaking on this preservation technique fluctuate considerably. For some, the attraction lies within the potential to witness and take part in future societal transformations. For others, it represents a type of private preservation, a strategy to prolong their particular person timeline and doubtlessly overcome at the moment incurable ailments. Traditionally, the idea has been fueled by scientific developments and popularized by way of science fiction, resulting in the institution of specialised organizations devoted to performing and researching the method.
This text will delve into the sensible realities, scientific challenges, and moral issues surrounding the long-term preservation of human stays. It’ll study the present state of know-how, the logistics of sustaining these stays over prolonged durations, and the potential implications for people, society, and the way forward for medical science.
1. Hope
The choice of a notable determine to pursue cryogenic preservation is usually underpinned by a strong, if unsure, hope. This hope transcends the straightforward want for prolonged life; it represents a perception within the potential of future scientific breakthroughs. Confronted with mortality, these people select to put money into a risk, an opportunity that know-how will at some point advance to a degree the place revival turns into a actuality. This act isn’t merely an acceptance of loss of life, however a defiance of it, fueled by the hope that their consciousness and being would possibly at some point be restored.
Contemplate the narratives surrounding those that have already undergone this course of. Whereas their identities are sometimes shielded for privateness, the very act of preservation speaks volumes. Every case represents a private gamble, a guess positioned on the longer term. The funding, each monetary and emotional, illustrates the profound significance of hope as a driving power. With out this underlying optimism, the advanced and expensive course of would appear futile. It is the idea that their ‘sleep’ isn’t everlasting, however a brief suspension awaiting a future awakening, that makes the choice each compelling and comprehensible.
In the end, the connection between hope and cryogenic preservation underscores humanity’s enduring want to beat limitations. Whereas the scientific neighborhood continues to debate the feasibility and moral implications, the choice made by distinguished figures highlights the facility of hope within the face of mortality. It serves as a reminder that even within the face of loss of life, the human spirit can discover solace in the potential of a future, fueled by the unwavering perception within the potential of scientific progress.
2. Superstar
Fame, in its peculiar alchemy, transforms people into symbols. Their decisions, their triumphs, and even their mortality turn out to be issues of public file, fodder for hypothesis and inspiration. When a celebrated determine opts for cryogenic preservation, the choice transcends private conviction; it enters the realm of cultural phenomenon. The act, beforehand relegated to science fiction and fringe science, beneficial properties a level of legitimacy, or no less than widespread consideration, just by affiliation with a recognizable identify. Contemplate the hypothetical: a beloved actor, famend for portraying characters who defied loss of life, chooses to be cryogenically frozen. The narrative potential is immense, sparking debate, fueling creative interpretation, and shaping public notion of the method itself.
The affect of movie star extends past mere consciousness. The sources obtainable to high-profile people considerably affect their capacity to pursue this feature. Cryogenic preservation is a expensive endeavor, requiring substantial monetary funding for the preliminary process and ongoing upkeep. Celebrities, with their usually appreciable wealth, possess the means to entry these providers, making them extra doubtless candidates. Moreover, their entry to superior medical care and a community of advisors might cause them to discover unconventional choices which are much less accessible to most people. The celebrity itself is a useful resource that may appeal to the eye of analysis establishments and philanthropic organizations keen to assist or research their circumstances. It is a advanced interaction of affect, wealth, and entry that makes the connection between movie star and cryogenic preservation not merely coincidental however essentially intertwined.
In the end, the participation of celebrities in cryogenic preservation underscores the facility of fame to form narratives and affect perceptions. Whereas the scientific validity and moral issues stay contentious, the visibility supplied by these people ensures that the dialog continues. Their determination turns into a public spectacle, sparking debate about mortality, know-how, and the way forward for humanity. The legacy of those figures, already etched within the annals of artwork and tradition, turns into additional entwined with the uncertainties and prospects of a future the place loss of life might not be absolutely the finish.
3. Longevity
The pursuit of longevity has haunted humanity because the daybreak of consciousness. Echoes of this craving resonate in historical myths, alchemical quests, and fashionable scientific endeavors. When considered by way of the lens of cryogenic preservation, notably because it pertains to people of renown, the need for an prolonged lifespan takes on a novel, nearly poignant, dimension. It’s not merely about including years to life, however about doubtlessly leaping throughout many years, even centuries, right into a future unimaginable from our current vantage level.
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A Break from Time
Probably the most compelling side of cryopreservation for celebrities lies in its potential to supply an escape from the constraints of time. Their careers, their contributions to artwork and tradition, are inevitably certain by the period during which they lived. The prospect of being revived in a future the place their work might be re-evaluated, re-contextualized, and even contribute to a brand new creative motion is a strong draw. Its not nearly dwelling longer, however about doubtlessly increasing the attain and affect of their inventive legacy.
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The Final Encore
For performers, athletes, and different public figures whose careers are sometimes lower brief by age or bodily limitations, the promise of cryogenic preservation presents a tantalizing risk: a second act. The potential to return to the world at a time when medical know-how may need solved the challenges that ended their careers is a potent motivator. Think about a world the place an athlete, whose profession was ended by harm, is revived and given the chance to compete once more with technologically superior prosthetics or therapies.
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A Witness to the Future
Some notable people, notably these with a deep curiosity in science and know-how, could also be drawn to cryogenic preservation as a way of witnessing the longer term firsthand. They could be pushed by a real curiosity to expertise the developments and transformations that await humanity. That is much less about extending their very own lives and extra about changing into dwelling testaments to the facility of human ingenuity, keen to sacrifice the comforts of their current for a glimpse into the world to come back.
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Combating Irrelevance
The concern of being forgotten, of fading into obscurity, is a strong motivator, particularly for individuals who have lived their lives within the public eye. Cryogenic preservation presents a possible antidote to this concern. By returning to the world at some future level, they’ll make sure that their identify, their achievements, and their legacy stay related. It’s a approach of dishonest loss of life, not simply in a organic sense, but additionally in a cultural one, making certain that they aren’t merely relegated to the historical past books.
The pursuit of longevity, when intertwined with the complexities of fame and the uncertainties of cryogenic preservation, creates a compelling narrative. It’s a story of ambition, hope, and a profound want to transcend the restrictions of human existence. Whether or not or not the science ever catches as much as the dream, the choice of distinguished figures to embrace this path serves as a strong testomony to humanity’s enduring quest to beat mortality and depart an indelible mark on the longer term.
4. Hypothesis
The choice of a public determine to bear cryogenic preservation inevitably ignites a firestorm of hypothesis. The very act relies on a confluence of hope and uncertainty, a wager on the longer term capabilities of science. Not like a standard burial, the place the narrative concludes with a way of finality, cryogenic preservation leaves the ending unresolved, a dangling thread that invitations countless conjecture. Questions come up: Will revival ever be potential? What is going to the longer term maintain for the resurrected particular person? What moral issues will govern their re-entry into society? These questions, fueled by the absence of definitive solutions, turn out to be the uncooked materials for numerous articles, documentaries, and fictional narratives.
Contemplate the case of baseball legend Ted Williams, whose physique was cryopreserved following his loss of life. Whereas his household publicly cited his want to be revived, the choice sparked rapid controversy and hypothesis. Questions concerning the validity of his consent, the long-term monetary burden on his household, and the moral implications of probably cloning him dominated the media panorama. This case underscores the truth that even when the intentions are seemingly simple, the act of cryopreservation, particularly involving a well-known particular person, turns into a public occasion topic to intense scrutiny and interpretation. The absence of ensures surrounding the method permits room for each optimistic projections of future medical miracles and dystopian visions of exploitation and unexpected penalties.
In the end, hypothesis is an inherent and unavoidable element of the “well-known individuals cryogenically frozen” narrative. It’s the gas that retains the dialog alive, driving each scientific inquiry and moral debate. The paradox surrounding the science ensures that the story stays open-ended, a canvas upon which society tasks its hopes and fears about the way forward for humanity. Whereas the sensible significance of this understanding lies in fostering knowledgeable dialogue and accountable scientific growth, it additionally highlights the enduring human fascination with mortality, legacy, and the tantalizing risk of transcending the boundaries of time.
5. Financing
The aspiration to cheat mortality by way of cryogenic preservation rests closely on the cornerstone of financing. The method isn’t merely a scientific endeavor; it’s an financial one, requiring a considerable upfront funding and ongoing monetary dedication. The preliminary prices, encompassing preparation, cryoprotection, and vitrification, can simply attain figures corresponding to these of luxurious actual property. Past this preliminary outlay, the perpetual maintenancethe storage, monitoring, and infrastructure required to maintain our bodies at ultra-low temperatures for doubtlessly centuriesdemands a sturdy monetary plan. And not using a safe and sustainable funding mechanism, the dream of future revival dangers changing into a frozen purgatory, a state of suspended animation with out the promise of resurrection.
Contemplate the historic case of Robert Ettinger, usually hailed because the “father of cryonics.” His group, the Cryonics Institute, pioneered reasonably priced cryopreservation choices, making the process accessible to people past the ultra-wealthy. But, even with streamlined processes and communal storage, membership charges and ongoing upkeep prices stay a major barrier. For distinguished people, the monetary equation might be much more advanced. The will for individualized care, specialised storage amenities, and even superior analysis devoted to their particular case necessitates a far better monetary dedication. Furthermore, legacy planning turns into essential: making certain that enough funds can be found for the long-term preservation, even many years or centuries into the longer term. This usually includes establishing devoted trusts or foundations, managed by authorized professionals specializing in property planning and asset administration. The success or failure of those monetary buildings straight impacts the chance of eventual revival.
In essence, the hyperlink between financing and cryopreservation for well-known people underscores a basic actuality: the promise of immortality is usually intertwined with the realities of wealth. Whereas scientific developments are undoubtedly essential, the financial issues can’t be ignored. The long-term sustainability of cryopreservation efforts will depend on accountable monetary planning, clear administration, and a practical understanding of the financial challenges inherent in preserving human stays throughout huge stretches of time. The viability of this apply, due to this fact, rests not solely on the potential for future medical breakthroughs but additionally on the strong basis of economic solvency.
6. Expertise
The technological underpinnings of cryogenic preservation usually are not merely a set of procedures; they characterize a frontier, a continually evolving panorama of scientific endeavor that shapes the very risk of defying loss of life’s finality. With out the developments in cryobiology, supplies science, and long-term storage techniques, the notion of suspending a human life for potential future revival would stay firmly entrenched within the realm of science fiction. The story of technological progress is, due to this fact, inextricably linked to the narrative of people, well-known or in any other case, who select to entrust their our bodies to the chilly embrace of liquid nitrogen.
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Vitrification Strategies
The introduction of vitrification marked a vital turning level in cryopreservation. Early strategies concerned gradual freezing, which regularly led to the formation of ice crystals that broken mobile buildings. Vitrification, however, employs cryoprotective brokers to rework tissues right into a glass-like state, minimizing ice crystal formation and preserving mobile integrity. This know-how is paramount as a result of it straight impacts the standard of preservation and, by extension, the chance of profitable revival. The story of Ted Williams, whose physique was topic to early vitrification methods, illustrates each the promise and the perils of this know-how, as debates proceed concerning the extent of mobile injury incurred in the course of the course of.
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Cryoprotective Brokers (CPAs)
The event and refinement of cryoprotective brokers (CPAs) are equally crucial. These chemical compounds permeate tissues, stopping ice crystal formation throughout cooling and warming. Nonetheless, CPAs usually are not with out their drawbacks; some might be poisonous at excessive concentrations, necessitating cautious calibration and supply strategies. Ongoing analysis focuses on growing novel CPAs with decreased toxicity and enhanced penetration capabilities. The usage of CPAs within the cryopreservation of notable people underscores the necessity for precision and experience, as any error in software might compromise the integrity of the preserved tissue, thus diminishing the prospect of future restoration.
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Lengthy-Time period Cryostorage Amenities
Sustaining a physique in a state of cryogenic suspension requires subtle long-term storage amenities. These amenities depend on liquid nitrogen to take care of ultra-low temperatures (-196C or -320F) and have to be geared up with redundant techniques to forestall catastrophic failures. Furthermore, these amenities have to be designed to face up to pure disasters, energy outages, and different unexpected occasions. The infrastructure supporting the cryopreservation of distinguished figures have to be impeccably designed and meticulously maintained, as any lapse in these areas might lead to irreversible injury and the everlasting lack of their preserved stays. The continuing prices related to these amenities are substantial, highlighting the monetary dedication required for cryopreservation.
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Future Revival Applied sciences
Whereas present know-how focuses totally on preservation, the last word success of cryopreservation hinges on the event of future revival applied sciences. These applied sciences, at the moment largely theoretical, might embody superior nanomedicine, tissue engineering, and regenerative medication. The potential to restore mobile injury, reverse the consequences of getting older, and remedy the underlying explanation for loss of life is important for bringing cryopreserved people again to life. For people looking for this feature, it is a profound leap of religion depending on future revival applied sciences not but invented. The hope is their preservation allows them to learn from these future breakthroughs.
The technological narrative surrounding “well-known individuals cryogenically frozen” is one among each promise and uncertainty. Whereas developments in vitrification, cryoprotective brokers, and long-term storage have improved the preservation course of, the last word success will depend on the event of future revival applied sciences. The choice of notable figures to embrace cryopreservation underscores a willingness to gamble on the longer term, putting their belief within the potential of science to beat the restrictions of mortality. These people turn out to be, in essence, dwelling experiments, testaments to humanity’s enduring quest to beat loss of life by way of technological innovation.
7. Mortality
Mortality, the indisputable fact of human existence, kinds the very basis upon which the idea of cryogenic preservation rests. For individuals who have achieved fame, the notice of mortality might be notably acute. Their lives, usually lived within the public eye, are marked by achievements and recognition, making a legacy that they might want to prolong past their pure lifespan. Cryogenic preservation presents itself as a possible avenue to bypass the finality of loss of life, providing an opportunity to witness and maybe take part in future occasions.
The hyperlink is obvious within the tales of those that have chosen this path. Contemplate the hypothetical: a famend scientist, going through a terminal sickness, makes the choice to be cryogenically preserved, pushed by the need to contribute to future discoveries or profit from medical developments. Mortality, on this context, turns into the catalyst for motion, prompting a seek for alternate options that defy the perceived limitations of present-day science. The choice isn’t taken evenly; it includes cautious consideration of the scientific feasibility, monetary implications, and moral issues. But, the driving power stays the need to transcend the inevitable destiny that awaits all dwelling beings.
In the end, the connection between mortality and cryogenically preserved figures underscores humanity’s enduring battle in opposition to the boundaries of life and loss of life. Whereas the scientific neighborhood continues to debate the viability and moral implications, the underlying motivation stays deeply rooted within the human situation. The alternatives of those people, going through the prospect of their very own demise, replicate a profound want to go away an enduring affect, to increase their existence past the confines of a single lifetime. It’s a testomony to the enduring energy of hope and the human spirit’s relentless pursuit of immortality, even within the face of insurmountable odds.
8. Legacy
The pursuit of lasting affect is a pervasive human endeavor, notably potent amongst those that have already achieved renown. For well-known people, the idea of legacy extends past their earthly accomplishments; it encompasses the potential affect their lives and work might have on future generations. Cryogenic preservation, on this context, presents itself as a radical extension of legacy, a way of probably collaborating in or witnessing the longer term’s unfolding narrative. It turns into a bet, a wager that scientific progress will at some point allow their return, permitting them to reshape or re-evaluate their contribution to the world. The will isn’t merely to be remembered, however to doubtlessly reactivate their presence and relevance inside a future context. Thus, these selecting cryopreservation may be influenced not solely by a private want for prolonged life, however by a extra altruistic goal: to go away an enduring affect for longer sooner or later.
The case of musician and futurist Dick Miller, one of many first individuals cryopreserved within the USA, exemplifies the intersection of legacy and suspended animation. Miller’s ardour for science and his perception in its transformative energy fueled his determination to embrace this unproven know-how. He noticed his cryopreservation as a private contribution to scientific development, a bodily testomony to his religion sooner or later. His legacy, due to this fact, isn’t solely outlined by his creative output, but additionally by his willingness to pioneer an unconventional method to mortality. Whereas the success of his revival stays unsure, his determination has undoubtedly sparked dialogue and debate concerning the ethics, prospects, and limitations of cryonics. His try to manage the way forward for his legacy represents how well-known personalities view cryopreservation as greater than private salvation, however as a strategy to safeguard their contribution.
In the end, the connection between legacy and cryogenic preservation amongst well-known people highlights a posh interaction of ambition, altruism, and uncertainty. Whereas the scientific and moral debates surrounding the apply proceed, the underlying motivation usually stems from a profound want to go away an enduring mark on the world. For these people, cryopreservation isn’t merely a private selection, however a possible extension of their legacy, a bid to stay related and influential in a future that is still largely unknown. The problem is for these endeavor this course to contemplate how their legacy will likely be impacted, and to make sure that the actions taken now usually are not detrimental to the repute that has been created over the course of a life.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
The idea of suspending life by way of cryogenic means, notably when utilized to people recognized to the general public, inevitably raises a sequence of questions. The next makes an attempt to deal with among the commonest inquiries, offered with a way of the inherent uncertainties and moral issues concerned.
Query 1: Is cryogenic freezing a confirmed technique for extending life?
The present scientific consensus is that it’s not a confirmed technique. Cryopreservation goals to reduce mobile decay, however the reversal of this course of and the restore of any injury incurred stay past present technological capabilities. The hope is that future scientific developments will make revival potential, however this stays speculative. It is akin to preserving a damaged artifact; the items could also be there, however the capacity to reconstruct it to its unique state is much from assured.
Query 2: What motivates a well-known particular person to decide on cryogenic preservation?
Motivations are doubtless advanced and various. Some could also be pushed by a real perception within the potential for future revival, fueled by scientific optimism. Others might view it as a strategy to prolong their legacy or witness future historic occasions. Nonetheless others would possibly concern loss of life and see cryopreservation as a final resort. For somebody accustomed to public recognition, a eager for permanence, a want to increase affect, or a concern of oblivion doubtless contributes to the choice.
Query 3: How is the physique ready for cryogenic preservation?
The method typically includes cooling the physique and changing the blood with cryoprotective brokers to reduce ice crystal formation, which may injury cells. The physique is then cooled to ultra-low temperatures and saved in liquid nitrogen. It is a advanced process, however it’s nonetheless far faraway from reanimation.
Query 4: What occurs if revival know-how by no means turns into a actuality?
The unlucky actuality is that people who bear cryogenic preservation face this very threat. If revival know-how doesn’t emerge, their our bodies will stay in a state of suspended animation indefinitely. It’s a gamble, a guess positioned on the way forward for science with no assure of a return on funding.
Query 5: Are there moral issues related to freezing the lifeless?
Moral issues abound. Questions come up relating to the allocation of sources, the potential for exploitation, and the rights of the revived particular person in a future society. There are additionally issues concerning the psychological affect on relations and the potential for commodification of loss of life. Some declare that it might lead to making a two-tiered system whereby celebrities and the rich can afford what is actually dishonest loss of life, additional deepening social inequalities.
Query 6: How does the general public react when a well-known particular person chooses cryogenic preservation?
The response is often a mix of fascination, skepticism, and debate. Some view it as a daring step in direction of conquering mortality, whereas others dismiss it as a fantastic and doubtlessly wasteful endeavor. The movie star standing of the person usually amplifies the dialogue, drawing consideration to the scientific, moral, and philosophical implications of cryogenic preservation.
In conclusion, the “well-known individuals cryogenically frozen” narrative serves as a strong reminder of humanity’s enduring quest to beat mortality. It’s a story of hope, uncertainty, and the enduring fascination with the probabilities that the longer term might maintain.
The subsequent part explores the potential social implications surrounding this controversial apply.
Navigating Mortality
The selection to bear cryogenic preservation, usually related to well-known figures, offers an surprising lens by way of which to look at life, legacy, and the human situation. It is a selection fraught with uncertainty, but it presents useful insights into how one would possibly method mortality and the pursuit of lasting significance.
Tip 1: Embrace Technological Skepticism: Historical past teaches that blind religion in know-how is unwise. Look at claims with crucial eyes, understanding that even probably the most promising improvements carry inherent dangers and limitations. Like these choosing cryopreservation, acknowledge the speculative nature of future revival.
Tip 2: Outline Legacy Past Temporal Existence: The true measure of a life is not the size of its length, however the depth of its affect. Domesticate relationships, contribute meaningfully to society, and create works that resonate past a single lifetime. A cryopreserved movie star doesn’t assure remembrance, and as a substitute the act could also be interpreted as a determined try and be remembered.
Tip 3: Confront Mortality with Introspection: The choice to pursue cryopreservation usually stems from a deep-seated unease with loss of life. Slightly than looking for to bypass mortality, confront it with honesty and introspection. Discover private values, tackle unfinished enterprise, and try for peace of thoughts within the face of life’s inevitable conclusion.
Tip 4: Prioritize the Current Over the Hypothetical Future: A life fixated on future prospects dangers neglecting the current second. Make investments vitality in experiences, relationships, and pursuits that convey that means and pleasure to the right here and now. The unsure promise of revival shouldn’t overshadow the tangible realities of present-day existence.
Tip 5: Monetary Prudence Stays Paramount: The monetary sources dedicated to cryogenic preservation might be directed in direction of extra rapid and tangible advantages, similar to charitable endeavors or enriching the lives of family members. Prioritize monetary choices that align with private values and contribute positively to the world. Cryopreservation solely helps a number of, whereas a charitable donation could make an actual distinction to many.
Tip 6: Domesticate Mental Humility: The complexities of life and loss of life far exceed our present understanding. Strategy scientific developments with each enthusiasm and humility, recognizing the boundaries of human data and the potential for unexpected penalties. Settle for that there are some questions which will by no means have definitive solutions.
Tip 7: Search Which means Past Self-Preservation: Life’s biggest rewards usually stem from acts of service, compassion, and dedication to one thing bigger than oneself. Give attention to contributing to the well-being of others, leaving a optimistic affect on the world, and fostering a way of connection to humanity. The final word function is to make the life depend. A celeb ought to give attention to utilizing their affect whereas they’re nonetheless alive.
In the end, the pursuit of cryogenic preservation, whereas controversial, serves as a strong reminder of our shared mortality and the enduring human quest for that means. By embracing skepticism, specializing in present-day dwelling, confronting the realities of loss of life, and dedicating ourselves to functions past the self, we will navigate the challenges of mortality with better readability, function, and success. The frozen few might search to cheat loss of life, however that doesn’t imply they’re good examples of dwelling life to the fullest.
This exploration of “well-known individuals cryogenically frozen” concludes with a mirrored image on the broader societal implications.
Frozen Echoes
This exploration into the phenomenon of “well-known individuals cryogenically frozen” reveals greater than only a scientific curiosity; it unveils a profound human drama. Its a story woven with threads of ambition, technological hope, and the unyielding human battle in opposition to mortality. The journey delves into the driving forces behind this unconventional selection: the need to increase legacies, witness future transformations, and maybe, even defy the inevitable. But, the complexities of this apply prolong far past particular person aspirations, touching upon intricate questions of ethics, useful resource allocation, and the very definition of life and loss of life. Every option to pursue cryopreservation turns into a high-stakes gamble, a guess positioned on the unsure guarantees of future scientific breakthroughs.
The tales, actual and imagined, of those people function a potent reminder of our personal fleeting existence. No matter scientific developments, the problem stays to grapple with mortality, to outline a legacy that transcends time, and to seek out that means within the current second. As society advances, it should keep in mind that the pursuit of immortality shouldn’t eclipse its capability for empathy, motive, and equitable distribution of its sources. The echoes from the frozen few name for contemplation, urging humanity to try for a future the place developments profit all, and the search to increase life doesn’t overshadow the celebration of it.
