To answer this, I think we need to first define what a “very long life” is.
I am choosing for this to mean Numenorean lifespan. So like 3-400 years old. I am also going to set the parameter that I am unique in my long life. Others would continue to have a normal human lifespan.
Because I would still be mortal, I do not think I would experience the boring redundancy of immortality. I think that something being finite makes it more precious but I also think that a long life would give me the time I would want to explore to learn.
I’ve pondered immortality before, asking what I would do if time was not a limitation and the answer has always been to learn as much as I could. The same would be true if I had the opportunity to live 3-400 years.
I would spend my time traveling, reading, researching, experimenting and getting lost in the wonders of the universe.
But I also know that this fate would be incredibly lonely. I think I would try to subtly help society and cultures with my knowledge without ever being noticed. I would want to walk to world unseen so I could continue my research in silence.
I would also study people. If I got to live 3-400 years, I would get to see at least 3 full human lifespans (At about 70-80 years old). 3 full generations. I think because I have a passion for psychology I would choose a few families and feed them little droplets of healing.
Maybe I’d pretend to be the families therapist and help each generation overcome different levels of dysfunction and see how the seeds of healing could blossom into bigger changes in family dynamics. I may be able to learn what is effective vs. ineffective at healing family units.
Maybe that would become my life’s work. A series of research from various families across different cultures where in each generation I introduce different ways to heal deep rooted dysfunction, (Abuse/Neglect/Maltreatment/Addiction/Domestic Violence/etc.)
Then I look at what is effective. And in my last days I will complete my thesis and release it in a blaze of glory to the world. I would make it impossible for people to ignore as I fade into the unknown abyss of death. Hoping I left a quiet but impactful change in humanity.
Reading this back before posting I think I should also entertain my more chaotic answer.
I would create a cult and do the exact same thing.
-K.M.
The Grimoire Vault 
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