The desire for immortality is timeless. It is the central theme of The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known pieces of literature, and is present in Shakespeare, when Cleopatra commands, “Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have Immortal longings in me” (Act V, scene ii). It’s even present in the dredges of pop culture—think Twilight. Throughout history, artists have been motivated by the lure of immortality, evident through their music, literature, and artworks.
