Non Religious question: Why do we go so far out of our way to keep people alive these days?

Question

The planet is so over populated already, yet it has become more and more a priority to keep people alive no matter what.

I find this insane considering the fact that it doesn't work in the 'big picture' of our survival on Earth - in fact it is decidedly counter productive to our survival.

So why are we, as a human culture, so concerned with everyone living as long as possible? I mean, so what??

If your first thought is - it is the health-care industry manipulating everyone...

well, I think that might be a bit over simplistic to really answer the question.

That doesn't really do it.

I am looking for something bigger in scope and thought.

Please!, also, no canned "God" responses, telling us about "His will"...

Answer 1

It has been a ethical oath since the Socraty's days. All confirmed "doctors" graduating were required to swear to the Hypigraphycal Oath. Swearing to treat and do his best to save and prolong human life. No matter how are medical technology has advanced. It is a moral duty for physicians to administer the care and longevity of human lives. Economics and pragmatism must be ignored.

Answer 2

I agree with you to certain extend, however, try keeping people alive meaning keeping repect and quality for human race.

For me no body chooses to be born but when do so, you expect to live a decent life at least until you die. People should be equal and inhert all the rights of life.

On the other I strongly believe that extraordinary medicine and equipments should not be used to keep a person alive because at the end of the day they will die.

Scientist keep trying to invent new things for us to live longer but that is only for the rich and lucky ones. Meaning most people will die so who cares as long as the rich and powerful lives. This what Capitalism is. Unfortunately this system is being implemented now in this world.  

If you are a good thinker and analysist you can see what you have suggested very much is related to business and making money.

Answer 3

I think people are selfish. As in the case of Terry Shivo. The florida woman who was brain dead and on life support for nearly 10 years. While her relitives were grief stricken and couldn't stand the thought of being with out her , and under the vague hopes she would regain functionality, they kept her on life support(against advice of medical professionals.) Clinically the woman was dead and the only thing that kept her breathing was a machine. What comes in to question here is morality, ethics, and most importantly the quaity of life. In the opinion of most rational people, being brain dead and on life support is not great quality, and had she reagined any functionality it would have been minimal at best. But it was the sheer fact of her parents and family that they could not emotionally detatch themselves.

AHumans are greedy by nature and greed does not stop at the length of a life time. Every one wants more time. And we cant for get fear of the unknown. Is there life after death? Who knows? Your right, the length of a life time is unimportant and it should be the quality of a life time that is recognised. But there are so many things that factor in to answering your question ( fear, greed, selfishness. . . ) that a single answer isn't possible. My bf always says to be thankful of what you have because you might not live through the day. Its true.

Answer 4

Well, the big thing I could guess, and there is no research done on my part of anything, is that...

It sucks when you're dying! Esspecially if you haven't necessarily had the full life you had hoped for. There is nothing like lying on the side of the road, two paramedics standing over you, and you get a revalation that you've been wasting your life.

It is really a sad thing when someone dies. If you can imagine it, put yourself in a hospital bed with a couple minutes left to live and you aren't ready to go...

Would be terribly depressing I suppose.

Anyway, I would think that doctors and stuff get to imagine what it's like to be dying quite frequently, so they probably have some sympathy toward people who aren't very well off, health wise.

Answer 5

we as a society have become so overly concerned with protecting ourselves from...ourselves. we are so in a hurry to step in and "fix" things. we need to look at if it needs fixing or not. somethings are better left as they are, even if we do have the power to "improve" on them. maybe we just need to learn that advancement in technology, while good, should not always be put to use. good question

Answer 6

What makes you think that the planet is over-populated when the birth-rate is low especially in Europe.  And what right do we have to judge when a person should die?  Life is precious and most of us want to enjoy it as long as possible.