In my mind, the whole idea of immortality is egotistical - probably the purest form of it. And since I do not believe in my own immortality, my focus in life revolves around future generations. So I'm right with you on that. I'll also second your suggestion that it's good to keep oneself challenged intellectually.
You know, I had a professor who believes that Socrates was an atheist who hopped up the god/goddess thang to keep from being accused of atheism. Since he was eventually convicted of it (that was the "crime" that got him executed), I wonder if my professor's thoughts don't have some validity. Of course, in mentor terms, Aristotle would have been his grandson . . . in addition to being the *real* father of science.
There are heroes aplenty to be found but -IMO - anyone who thinks of him/herself in that way, or even has ambitions in that direction - is automatically disqualified.
Thanks for your thought-provoking post.