Is Life Worth Living Without Immortality? A Lecture Delivered Before the Independent Religious Society, Chicago

"Is Life Worth Living Without Immortality?" by M. M. Mangasarian is a philosophical lecture presented before the Independent Religious Society in Chicago, likely written in the early 20th century. This thought-provoking work discusses the significance of immortality in giving life meaning and value. It explores existential questions regarding happiness, health, and the human condition through a rationalist lens. In this lecture, Mangasarian critically engages with the arguments of the renowned psychologist William James and argues against the necessity of a belief in immortality for a fulfilling life. He contends that the quest for truth and the appreciation of our current existence—regardless of a promised afterlife—are vital to human happiness and moral integrity. By referencing various philosophical positions, religious doctrines, and societal norms, he emphasizes the importance of fostering a sound mind and healthy body as the antidote for despair rather than relying on supernatural beliefs. Ultimately, Mangasarian promotes a life lived in pursuit of truth, encouraging individuals to seek meaning and joy in the present moment, independent of their views on immortality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mangasar Magurditch Mangasarian was an American rationalist and secularist of Armenian descent.