athanogene

Athanogene is a term used in speculative fiction and theoretical discussions to denote a hypothetical process, device, or principle that would enable immortality or sustained life across time. In different contexts, an athanogene may refer to biological rejuvenation that slows or reverses aging, a mechanism for preserving and reviving a person’s identity, or a digital or quantum method for extending consciousness beyond the lifespan of the body. The term is a neologism, and its exact etymology is not standardized, though it is commonly construed as a combination of roots associated with deathlessness and origin.

In fiction, athanogenes often raise questions about personal identity, continuity of experience, and the social consequences of immortality, including resource distribution, governance, and cultural change. In ethical and philosophical discussions, the concept is used to frame debates about the desirability, feasibility, and risks of extreme life extension, as well as the distinction between biological life, experiential continuity, and the preservation of memory or self.

Because athanogene is not a realized technology, descriptions remain speculative and vary by author or theorist. It is frequently contrasted with related ideas such as cryonics, mind uploading, regenerative medicine, and longer-range concepts like digital immortality or transcendental life.

See also: immortality, life extension, cryonics, mind uploading, transhumanism.