Ep 11. The Immortals

The eleventh episode of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey season 1 is titled The Immortals. In this episode, host Neil deGrasse Tyson takes viewers on a journey to explore the concept of immortality, both in the natural world and in human culture.

Throughout the episode, Tyson explores the history of the search for eternal life, from the ancient Egyptians who sought to preserve their bodies for the afterlife to modern-day scientists studying aging and cellular regeneration. He also considers the ethical implications of extending human life, questioning whether immortality is truly desirable for individuals and for society as a whole.

Tyson delves into the world of organisms that have managed to survive for incredibly long periods of time, including the tardigrade, also known as the water bear, which is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, pressure, and radiation. He also highlights the incredible resilience of certain trees and plants that have lived for thousands of years, such as the bristlecone pine tree that can survive in harsh environments and the clonal colony of quaking aspen trees that has lived for over 80,000 years.

The episode also looks at the idea of preserving human consciousness after death, through cryogenics or mind uploading technology. Tyson explores the potential benefits and pitfalls of these approaches, considering questions around identity, memory, and the nature of consciousness.

Throughout the episode, Tyson weaves together stories of both the natural world and human cultures, examining the common threads that connect our search for immortality across different times and places. He argues that while the concept of eternal life has been a driving force throughout human history, we must also consider the impact that this pursuit may have on our relationships, our communities, and the planet as a whole.

The Immortals is a thought-provoking and philosophical exploration of one of humanity's oldest and most enduring desires. Tyson's ability to connect complex scientific concepts with broader cultural and ethical questions makes this episode a standout in the series, and a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersections between science and society.