Developments in bio-technology are pushing the possibility of youthful longevity beyond the bounds of science fiction into potential reality. In this thesis, I explore the role of motivation in relation to the use of radical life extension technology and why it is a crucial consideration within the life extension debate. I propose that understanding our relationship to life and death is key to understanding why radically extending the human lifespan may appeal to many individuals. It is likely that motivation will not only affect the decision and act of using radical life extension technology, but also the way in which it is treated as a technology. At first glance, it is easy to think the issue of life extension is clear cut in terms of 'death bad, life good', or that an individual who opts for such technology obviously wants to live longer - without any further analysis