Putin and Xi Reveal Competing Visions of Immortality, Reflecting Ancient Obsessions
BEIJING – A recently surfaced exchange between Russian President Vladimir putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping offers a striking glimpse into the leaders’ apparent preoccupation with legacy and outlasting death, a fascination deeply rooted in their respective national histories. While the specifics of the conversation remain largely undisclosed, the context reveals a divergence in how each leader pursues a form of immortality – Putin seemingly focused on physical preservation, while Xi appears driven by the ambition of national restoration.
The exchange comes as both leaders face questions about long-term rule and succession.Putin, currently in his fifth presidential term, has consolidated power over decades, while xi has removed term limits, positioning himself for indefinite leadership.
Interestingly, the pursuit of longevity isn’t a new phenomenon for either nation. While Russia‘s association with secretive medical interventions has drawn attention, it is indeed China that holds a far longer and more complex history of obsession with overcoming mortality. Historically, Chinese leaders, especially emperors, were captivated by the idea of bodily immortality, a concept originating with Daoist thinkers. These early seekers explored methods ranging from spiritual practices to the creation of elixirs believed to grant eternal life.
However, these attempts were often tragically counterproductive. Many of the sought-after potions contained perilous ingredients like mercury, lead, and arsenic, and proved fatal. Qin Shi huang, the first emperor of a unified china, famously dedicated his later years to finding an immortality elixir, ultimately dying – likely from poisoning – just before his 50th birthday. At least half a dozen, and perhaps more, Chinese emperors succumbed to elixir poisoning over the centuries, with the last documented case occurring in 1725. The Jiajing emperor in the 16th century, known as “the Daoist emperor,” exemplifies this dark history, dying at 59 after consuming a concoction including “red lead” and, disturbingly, the menstrual blood of malnourished teen virgins – a practice that even prompted a failed assassination attempt by the enslaved women.
Despite the historical failures of physical immortality, a different form of enduring legacy – self-apotheosis – gained prominence within Chinese imperial ideology. As scholar Michael Puett details in To Become a God, early emperors believed they could ascend to Heaven through proper sacrifices and rituals, expanding their power and territory in the process.
Xi Jinping appears to be channeling this latter ambition. While unlikely to pursue literal ascension, his focus on “restoring national greatness” – through goals like achieving a “moderately prosperous society by 2030″ or the potential conquest of Taiwan – reflects a desire for figurative immortality through lasting national achievements. The rhetoric surrounding Mao Zedong, a key role model for Xi, frequently employed metaphors of immortality.
in contrast, Putin’s reported interest in modern medical interventions suggests a more direct, physical pursuit of longevity. While details are scarce, the focus appears to be on extending life through scientific means, a stark contrast to the alchemical pursuits of China’s past emperors.
The differing approaches highlight a fascinating intersection of personal ambition and national history, revealing how the age-old human desire to transcend mortality continues to shape the actions of world leaders today.
