Advantages of Immortality

The concept of immortality has fascinated humanity for ages. (That darned Adam and Eve, they ruined it for us. We could have lived forever, but no...) We often find ourselves wondering: what would it be like, if were immortal? What if we all lived forever? Or what if some were immortal, but others weren't? What would life be like, if our lifespan went beyond the usual 70-90 years? Let's explore some of the good points of outliving Methuselah, shall we?

Know Lots of History

You'd be a real history buff, certainly. I mean, you were alive when that event occurred one hundred and twenty years ago. You'd also know if the history books are omitting anything, or sugar-coating the less savory parts. And you can describe what it was truly like to live in those times, not just what the books say.
Kid:  Wow, you're so smart.
You:  Well, they didn't make me the history teacher for nothing. Heh heh...

You'll also win lots of game shows about trivia, because you've had plenty of time to learn different stuff. And of course you remember some of these facts and dates, because you were around when they occurred.

Experience Lots of Things

Imagine having infinite time to read books. (many of us still won't complete our to-be-read piles) Or you can catch up on those shows that have been airing forever, and see the next 452 incarnations of the Doctor. You could watch all the awesome movies that come out, listen to the next thousand-years' worth of music...

Another interesting thing about living for a zillion years is watching how society, technology, and other things change over the generations. You remember when people played records, then 4-track and 8-track tapes, and cassette tapes. In fact, you remember when people actually said things like "thee", "thou", "thy". And some of the everyday words used now were once considered slang. Architecture changes, traditions change, how people act and think changes.

Learn and Master Skills

Imagine having all the time in the world to tackle your extensive to-do list, and add even more stuff to it. You could learn to play an instrument, become fluent in another language, take up any career you wanted. I mean, you could have forty years of college education under your belt. Be a brain surgeon, an engineer, a psychologist, a geologist, a programmer... You'd be a jack of all trades.

Never Age or Suffer Ailments

Assuming your form of immortality also prevents death from most, if not all, other things, you've got some decent luck there. You won't age, you won't get sick, even serious injuries would heal. Not so much fear of certain doom any more. (I'd still be deathly afraid of heights, though.) Plus, accidentally dropping a katana on your foot and chopping your foot off isn't such a big deal. It'll just grow back.

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Immortality would have many potential benefits, definitely. You'd have plenty of time to pursue cool stuff, experience cool stuff, be a wise sage and all that. But check here next Wednesday, when we explore some of the potential disadvantages of being immortal.