If We Had Infinite Time, Would Life Still Have Meaning? Aging As A Transformative Experience

(Note: If you’ve missed any session of this series, fear not! We organize the series such that missing a class session or joining mid-way through doesn’t feel disjointed. The series registration cost is reduced to reflect the number of remaining sessions.)

In our third session of "Are We Who We've Always Been?", we'll examine the role of time in shaping our identity. What would life and its meaning look like if we weren't bound by time?

Our readings for this session provide diverse perspectives on this topic. Borges' “The Immortal" explores the concept of eternal life and its implications on our understanding of fleeting moments. “The Geranium” by Flannery O’Conner reflects on the temporary nature of life, while Vonnegut's “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” presents a world without the boundaries of time. These texts will challenge and deepen our understanding of time, aging, and identity.

The readings for this session are concise and won’t require a significant time commitment, yet they pack a profound punch in terms of depth and will help us explore the enduring questions of aging and transformation.

Readings for class:

• “The Immortal" by Jorge Luis Borges - This short story explores the themes of time, mortality, and the meaning of life through the story of a man who is accidentally granted immortality.
• “The Geranium” — a short story by Flannery O’Conner
• “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” Kurt Vonnegut’s short story

Questions We’ll Dig Into:

• How does the concept of infinite time challenge our traditional understanding of aging and identity?
• In a world without the constraints of time, how might our values, aspirations, and relationships evolve?
• How do societal norms and expectations shape our perception of time and its significance in our lives?
• Drawing from the readings, how do different authors approach the concept of timelessness and its impact on human existence?
• If life were endless, would our pursuit of meaning and purpose intensify or diminish?