Second Childhood

"Second Childhood" by Clifford D. Simak is a science fiction story that explores immortality and its heavy impacts on one man, questioning whether endless existence truly brings happiness. The story follows Andrew Young, who has lived for six thousand years thanks to advanced technology. Instead of finding joy, he feels alone and disconnected, having outlived everyone he ever cared about. Overwhelmed by his lengthy past, Andrew seeks permission to die, but instead, he decides to recapture the joy of his youth. He creates a giant, childlike world and designs an android to act as a nurturing caregiver, hoping to return to the simple innocence of childhood and reclaim the happiness he has lost over the long years. The novel looks at what it means to be human when life never ends, showing how time can change memories and feelings in big ways.