Why we die

‘Spectacular. Beautifully answers the question at the core of every life. It changed my perspective on the whole living world but most of all myself and the time I have left.’ – CHRIS VAN TULLEKEN

‘Utterly fascinating. Clear, enthralling and packed with insights.’ – BILL BRYSON

‘A thrilling ride through the science of ageing and death. A must-read.’ – STEPHEN FRY

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Would you want to live forever?

Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Venki Ramakrishnan transforms our understanding of why we age and die – and whether there’s anything we can do about it.

We are living through a revolution in biology. Giant strides are being made in our understanding of why we age and die, and why some species live longer than others. Immortality, once a faint hope, has never been more within our grasp.

Examining recent scientific breakthroughs, Ramakrishnan shows how cutting-edge efforts to extend lifespan by altering our natural biology raise profound questions. Although we might not like it, does death serve a necessary biological purpose? And how can we increase our chances of living long, healthy and fulfilled lives? As science advances, we have much to gain. But might we also have much to lose?