My personal believe is that people who long for a greater life often are lonely. Maybe, they are not alone, but they feel lonely. I strongly believe that we are a deeply social species, with a deeply social brain.

I am in the second half of my life. That seems a pretty sure thing to say. Is that a bad thing? Does it make me feel sad? Sometimes, a little bit. Well, sad is not exactly the right word. More like … melancholic. Sometimes.

Especially, when I think of this 1987 song Forever Young by Alphaville:

Or maybe you prefer this Forever Young song by Bob Dylan in the Live at the Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan version (1978). The melancholic version, so to say:

Anyway, aging …

Mostly, I simply don’t think about it, or just accept it as a fact.

I cannot change it, can I?

Well … some people do try to change it, especially people who can afford it. In fact, there’s a whole rejuvenation industry in existence and still growing fast, from traditional make-up or hair-dye to make women look younger, to living and eating healthier, up to expensive DNA modifications (which may well lead to ‘the Big Split’).

And if you cannot afford it, you can of course fake it with so-called ‘filters’ on social media. More and more people do, in fact. Here’s just one example:

To be honest, the video made me sad.

It made me think about the workings of our brain. Mind models, yes. Why is it so difficult for us to accept the world, our life as it is? Why do we flee in dreams of a greater life?

Because we can?

If you are a frequent reader of my stories, you know by now that I do believe that in the long run we will modify ourselves, possibly even into a whole new species. But that will take a long time. I will most likely not experience that in my lifetime. And it will be a very risky endeavor, maybe the most risky the human species has ever undertaken.

And, is it helpful? Doesn’t it make those who long for a greater life more depressed, in stead of less?

I don’t know.

Recently, I read an interesting article on a Harvard University scientific study on factors that influence longevity — how long we live.

The study revealed eight factors that predicted death within four years:

1. Poor neighborhood cleanliness
2. Low perceived control over financial situation
3. Meeting with children less than yearly
4. Not working for pay
5. Not active with children
6. Not volunteering
7. Feeling isolated
8. Being treated with less courtesy or respect

All of these are … social factors!

My personal believe is that people who long for a greater life often are lonely. Maybe, they are not alone, but they feel lonely. I strongly believe that we are a deeply social species, with a deeply social brain.

So, maybe the best way to stay forever young is to be forever social! Don’t lift your face with an Instagram filter in your virtual bubble. Leave your house and socialize!

And what about art?

So, is art a good way to take away loneliness, let alone, to stay forever young? Mwah, it may, sometimes. But generally, I don’t think so. You better socialize with your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, or even total strangers.

And if you do, it won’t hurt to do so enjoying and discussing some great pieces of art. Or even better, making art together. That’s for sure!

Something like this, yes. Together. That will keep you forever young … for as long as you live!