The Quest for Immortality: Reflections on Life Extension Technology

The ancient desire for human immortality has collided with modern advancements in biology and artificial intelligence. In a recent episode of The Human Upgrade podcast, Dave Asprey engages in a thought-provoking conversation with philosopher and writer Steven Cave from Cambridge University. Together, they delve into the ethical implications of life extension technologies, the narratives surrounding immortality, and the challenges that come with living longer.

Understanding Life Extension Technology

Life extension technologies can be seen as the inventions of civilization itself—hunting, agriculture, and medicine are all developments aimed at prolonging human life. Asprey shares his personal experiences with technology-assisted meditation and near-death experiences, leading to a discussion on mortality, fear of death, and the philosophical ramifications of potentially living beyond 200 years.

Challenges of Extended Life

Both Asprey and Cave agree that living to an advanced age presents unique challenges, including boredom, meaninglessness, and societal implications. Cave reflects on the concept of mortality and how accepting it is crucial for living well. He questions whether the pursuit of immortality is rooted in enlightenment or simply hidden ego, suggesting that many who seek eternal life are motivated by a desire for more good times or fear of death.

The Four Immortality Narratives

Cave identifies four key narratives societies use to cope with the concept of death:

Staying Alive in the Body: The quest for an elixir of life that allows people to maintain their physical bodies indefinitely.
Resurrection: The hope of coming back to life after death, a theme present in many religious traditions.
The Soul: The belief in an indestructible soul that can live on beyond the physical body.
Legacy: Achieving immortality through cultural or biological legacies, like creating great works or having children.

Ethics and Acceptance in the Longevity Movement

The conversation shifts to the ethics of life extension and the societal implications of potentially living much longer. Cave emphasizes the importance of accepting mortality, suggesting that the awareness of death can drive motivation and innovation.

Asprey points out the human resistance to the idea of extending life, rooted in societal norms about life stages and the meaning derived from them. He raises a provocative question: what if death is the catalyst for civilization's advancements?

The Role of Technology and AI

As technology advances, Cave warns against the dangers of an accelerationist mindset—where ethical considerations are sidelined in the race for progress. He stresses the need for AI and life extension technologies to be developed with a deep understanding of human values and ethics.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

Life extension technologies have been a part of human civilization since ancient times.
Challenges of living longer include boredom, meaninglessness, and societal implications.
The four narratives of immortality—staying alive, resurrection, the soul, and legacy—shape our understanding of death.
Accepting mortality can enhance the quality of life and motivate individuals to make the most of their time.
Ethical considerations are crucial in the development of life extension technologies and AI.

Conclusion

The quest for immortality is a complex interplay of technology, philosophy, and ethics. As society grapples with advancements that could significantly extend human life, the importance of understanding mortality and the narratives we create around it will become increasingly vital. The insights shared by Steven Cave and Dave Asprey remind us that while the pursuit of longevity is intriguing, it must be approached with caution and contemplation.