As I type this, billions of dollars are being poured into the ‘longevity’ industry. Peter Attia’s ‘Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity’ is #4 on the New York Times Bestseller list. David Sinclair, at his lab at Harvard, has successfully reversed the aging process in the eyes of primates. Not mice, but our closest living relative. He is confident humans are next.
Experts predict that within the next few decades, perhaps even in a few short years, significant advancements in medical science may enable us to extend our healthspan by twenty years. This doesn't just mean prolonging life, but prolonging the years of life spent in good health. For instance, if this breakthrough occurs when you're 50, you could maintain the health and vitality of a 50-year-old for an additional twenty years. This extended healthspan could potentially lead to further extensions, maintaining the same level of health repeatedly. The possibilities are exciting, transformative & daunting.
The Human Body will No Longer be a Black Box
John Doe stepped into a cutting-edge, AI-powered body scanner, eager to try out his friend's new project. This machine wasn't just any scanner; it promised a comprehensive analysis of his body, using advanced AI to map his entire physiology, akin to a supercharged Dexa Scan. This innovative technology was the brainchild of his friend's company, Fountain Life, aiming to revolutionize health diagnostics.
The results were startling. The scan revealed two aneurysms in John's brain. Within a week, he underwent surgery to have them clipped & blocked, averting a potential disaster. Without this scan, these aneurysms would have remained a hidden, ticking time bomb. This story actually happened, it’s 100% true.
As we advance, I believe that in a few decades, we'll look back at past causes of death with shock & bewilderment, much like how we view the 1912 life expectancy of 50 years today. With the human body no longer a mystery, the unlocking of longevity seems inevitable, making the prospect of living well into our hundreds not just plausible, but highly likely.
There is No Such Thing as Immortal, but Humans will become A-mortal
While the notion of immortality remains a fantasy, author & historian Yuval Noah Harari, renowned for his bestselling book 'Sapiens,' argues for the concept of 'a-mortality' in our lifetime. Harari suggests that while we may conquer aging & disease through AI & advanced medical technology, becoming immune to all forms of death, including accidents, is impossible. He introduces 'a-mortal' to describe this state of extended life, but not true immortality.
Harari also delves into the psychological impact of such a life. He describes the potential horror of living with the knowledge that, despite being on the brink of eternal life, a single accident could still lead to death. He imagines a scenario where the fortunate few, born in an era of unprecedented longevity, might live in constant fear, leading overly cautious & sheltered lives. This raises an existential question: does such a life, shrouded in fear & anxiety, truly constitute living?
This technological leap in longevity is expected to begin with the affluent but eventually become widespread, much like how smartphones have reached even the poorest corners of the world. This impending abundance prompts profound philosophical questions. Echoing the cautionary theme of the 1993 film 'Jurassic Park,' just because we can extend life significantly, should we? This age-old debate challenges us to consider the ethical implications of our scientific pursuits.
Introducing Psychedelics to the Longevity Debate
As we inevitably march towards extending human lifespan, it might be wise to also focus on raising our collective consciousness. My concern, however, lies with those who are primarily driven by ego & the thrill of 'breaking the rules' to achieve life extension. They might not be as open to the mystical insights offered by Psychedelic experiences.
These individuals are likely not 'awake' — a term often used by those who have undergone profound Psychedelic experiences. To be 'awake' in this sense is to see beyond the veil of conventional reality, to have a transformative experience that challenges deeply held beliefs & perceptions. Such experiences can turn atheists into believers, skeptics into the open-minded. They can reveal that life is more than just our physical existence.
I fully support medical advancements. As someone who naturally distrusts authority & values personal agency, I believe it's not my place to dictate what others consider best for themselves. However, I am certain of one thing — the beauty of life lies in its ephemerality. Picture your favorite song, and now imagine being forced to listen to it on an endless loop. Just as the song would lose its appeal over time, endlessly prolonging life would similarly diminish its inherent value.
I’ll leave you with some salient wisdom from Alan Watts, who despite dying decades before the technology to delay death would become a reality, was clairvoyant in recognizing the fallacy of such a world —
Til next week,
AW
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most humans fear the unknown, missing the fact that death (although painful for those left behind) is an intrinsic part fl Life itself. Thanks for your continuous research on interesting topics
Fascinating article on a topic I love. So many questions. So many thoughts. Thanks for putting this out there!