Jüri Toomepuu: Can humans achieve immortality?

Former politician and military officer Jüri Toomepuu reflects on a new era in ageing science, asking whether death is an inevitable biological fate or a solvable problem. The article draws on the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius and contemporary scientific research.

Is death an inevitable destiny for humanity or simply an unsolved biological challenge? Former politician and military officer Jüri Toomepuu explores this question in his opinion piece, opening a new chapter in ageing science.

Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius said that death smiles on us all, and we have only the opportunity to smile back. According to Toomepuu, modern ageing science no longer confines itself to the pursuit of stoic dignity — this field of study poses a far more radical question: what if death is not fate, but a problem with a solution?

Ageing science, or gerontology, has made dramatic advances over recent decades. Scientists study how cells age, the accumulation of DNA damage, and the so-called Hayflick limit — the maximum number of times a human cell can divide. Some researchers believe that understanding these mechanisms could enable us to significantly extend lifespan.

In Toomepuu's view, this represents more than just a scientific discussion — the question of human mortality touches deeply on philosophy, ethics, and social order. If humans were to become immortal, how would society develop, how would resources be distributed, and how would humans understand themselves?

The range of opinions on this question is broad: some scientists consider immortality possible through technological advancement, while others warn against utopian expectations. Toomepuu invites readers to consider whether humanity's greatest challenge is conquering death or rather mastering the art of accepting it with dignity.