Transhumanism, Immortality, and Longevity Escape Velocity | FEAT. Dave Porter & Ed Klobucher
Humanity tends to forecast what the future will be, sometimes, with striking accuracy. Pop culture predictions from the Simpsons and Back To The Future have eerily striking accuracy. On the contrary, the speculative, and mostly hyperbolic, Nostradamus-like predictions are a dime a dozen, popularized for the sake of your dollar or voting preference. What if some of the predictions of the future turn out to be true? What happens, when our bodies escape the natural barriers imposed by them at birth? Will we achieve immortality?
With the interest in transhumanism at an all-time high, humanity has already eclipsed many mortal barriers once thought to be impossible, and it's likely we'll continue to do so in the name of science. Will the idea of Longevity Escape Velocity become a reality? Originally coined by biogerontologist Aubrey de Grey in a 2004 paper, the concept of Longevity Escape Velocity has been around since 1970, with Robert Anton Wilson's essay "Next Stop, Immortality". Also known as Actuarial Escape Velocity, L.E.V. is a hypothetical situation in which one's remaining life expectancy (not life expectancy at birth) is extended longer than the time that's passing. It's quite a fascinating subject!
Join the Wolf and Bull in episode 74, as they discuss the ideas of Transhumanism, Immortality, and Longevity Escape Velocity with their special guests Dave Porter, and Ed Klobucher. Dave Porter is a partner and executive recruiter for Orion Solutions. Ed Klobucher is the current city manager of Hazel Park, Michigan. They both provide extensive thoughts and opinions on these topics and it was wonderful to have them on the show with us! Please be advised, this discussion is comprised entirely of opinions. Nothing said in this episode is directly reflective or indicative of the aforementioned entities of Orion Solutions or the city of Hazel Park, Michigan.
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Notes:
Transhumanism is a philosophical and cultural movement that seeks to use technology to enhance human capabilities and extend the human lifespan.
The goal of transhumanism is to create a future where humans and machines merge, resulting in a new form of intelligent life that is capable of achieving goals and solving problems that are beyond the abilities of current humans.
Proponents of transhumanism believe that advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence and gene editing, will allow humans to overcome their biological limitations and achieve new levels of physical, mental, and social excellence.
Critics argue that transhumanism is dangerous and could lead to the creation of a new form of inequality, where only those who can afford to enhance themselves will be able to do so.
Transhumanism is also often associated with science fiction and futurist ideas, and is a topic of debate and discussion among philosophers, scientists, and technologists.
In episode 89, we have an incredibly special guest joining us; Gabriel, a.k.a. G. Holiday to discuss his experience(s) when it comes to overcoming adversity, the creative writing that allowed for his publications, and the difficulties that life throws at you when you live with muscular dystrophy and when you're a part of the LGBTQ community.