The Quest to Avoid Death

The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time - Mark Twain


Qin Shi Huang

King of the Chinese State of Qin from 247 BCE to 221 BCE and then the first emperor of a unified China from 221 BCE to 210 BCE. As the ruler of the Great Qin, he was known for the introduction of Legalism and also for unifying China.

His Quest

He died of swallowing Mercury pills, made by his court scientists and doctors, which contained too much of the liquid metal. The "theory," devised by alchemists, was that if mercury could even absorb gold, then if eaten, it would give that person its own powers, making him immortal. Mercury compounds were mixed with some food so as to make it edible. Ironically, these pills were meant to make Qin Shi Huang immortal. He was reportadly buried in a river of Mercury.



Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard

Also known as Charles Edward (8 April 1817 – 2 April 1894), he was a Mauritian physiologist and neurologist.

His Quest

He recommended the dried and ground testicles of guinea pigs and dogs as a tonic to extend youthfulness and virility. Injected himself and his patients with the extracts from the testicles, and then declared that the treatments had restored his physical vigour and mental acuity.





Morarji Ranchhodji Desai

The fourth Prime Minister of India from 1977–79.

His Quest

Morarji Desai is most often remembered for his championing of Urine Therapy (drinking one’s own urine for medical benefits). He told journalist Khushwant Singh that he was advised to try drinking his own urine when in his 40s to cure piles (haemorrhoids), and he got immediate results.

As the prime minister he caused discomfort to millions of Indian by proclaiming the efficiency of his urine drinking. On the occasion of his ninety-ninth birthday in 1995, Desai attributed his longevity to drinking urine - which he called the ``water of life'' - at least twice every day.





Question

Is the life of this world so dear that one may lose the integrity of being human, just to hold onto it?

The Holy Qur’an

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.
(Ale-‘Imraan 3:185)


Beautified for those who disbelieve is the life of this world, and they ridicule those who believe. But those who fear Allah are above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah gives provision to whom He wills without account.
(Al-Baqarah 2:212)

Sincerely search for the purpose of life for such an endevour will prepare you for death.



And Allah knows best.