In my work,1 I may be on the way to a breakthrough in time travel technology. With this technology I will be able to prevent the covid pandemic. The only issue is, there is a doubt as to whether I myself will die I.e. disappear from the timeline through this very breakthrough. Am I still required to persist with this vital work, or does my existence come first?
I am aware that the Talmud discusses this, but it only speaks of life not existence:
Bava Metziah 62a:
עד שבא ר' עקיבא ולימד וחי אחיך עמך חייך קודמים לחיי חבירך
Rebbi Akiva taught: ‘Your brother shall live with you’ (Lev. 25:36) means your life comes before your fellow’s.
1. I do no such work