The quest for immortality
Death is inevitable, or so we have been told. But what if there was a way to extend our lifespan beyond the natural limits? What if we could live forever, or at least for a very long time?
This is the question that some of the richest and most powerful people in the world are trying to answer. They are the tech moguls of Silicon Valley, who have made their fortunes by creating innovative products and services that have changed the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. Now, they are using their wealth and influence to pursue the ultimate goal: immortality.
In a new BBC podcast series, The Immortals, technology reporter and psychologist Aleks Krotoski investigates the Silicon Valley scions who are spending millions on seeking eternal life. She meets some of the people who are behind this radical movement, and explores the ethical, social, and scientific implications of their quest.
The methods of defying death
How do these tech moguls plan to achieve immortality? There is no single answer, as different people have different approaches and visions. Some of the methods that Krotoski uncovers in her series include:
- Infusing young blood: This is the practice of transfusing blood from young donors into older recipients, in the hope of reversing the effects of aging. One of the proponents of this method is Bryan Johnson, the founder of Kernel, a company that develops brain-computer interfaces. Johnson infuses the plasma of young people into his system, including that of his teenage son.
- Freezing bodies: This is the process of preserving human bodies at very low temperatures, with the expectation that they can be revived in the future when technology advances. One of the companies that offers this service is Alcor Life Extension Foundation, which has more than 200 people in cryonic suspension. Among them are Ted Williams, the legendary baseball player, and James Bedford, the first person to be cryopreserved in 1967.
- Uploading minds: This is the idea of transferring human consciousness into digital platforms, such as computers or robots. One of the advocates of this method is Ray Kurzweil, the director of engineering at Google and a renowned futurist. Kurzweil believes that by 2045, we will be able to upload our minds into artificial bodies and live indefinitely in virtual reality.
- Editing genes: This is the technique of altering human DNA to enhance certain traits or eliminate diseases. One of the pioneers of this method is George Church, a Harvard professor and a co-founder of the Human Genome Project. Church is working on creating gene therapies that can reverse aging and extend lifespan.
The challenges and consequences
While these methods may sound promising or even exciting to some, they also pose many challenges and consequences that need to be considered. Some of the issues that Krotoski raises in her series are:
- The cost and accessibility: These methods are not cheap or widely available. They require a lot of money, resources, and expertise to access and use. This creates a huge gap between those who can afford them and those who cannot. How will this affect social justice and equality? Will immortality become a privilege for the elite few?
- The regulation and oversight: These methods are not well regulated or monitored by any authorities or institutions. They operate in a legal gray area, where there are no clear rules or standards to follow. How will this affect safety and quality? Will immortality become a risky experiment for the adventurous few?
- The impact and implication: These methods are not without impact or implication on ourselves and others. They alter our nature and identity as human beings, and affect our relationships and values as social beings. How will this affect our sense of purpose and meaning? Will immortality become a curse for the lonely few?
