LONGEVITY RUN*

I am thrilled to announce that today, I, Tom Ross, the US Transhumanist Party presidential nominee, have signed the Dublin Longevity Declaration. As the first presidential candidate to do so, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Transhumanist community for their support. It is an action I take with respect but also with trepidation. While I firmly believe in the pursuit of a higher quality of life, I am concerned about the concept of "killing death" before fully considering its consequences for the environment and economic opportunities for our youth. Whenever I broach these considerations, I’m often attacked because I am inciting peoples’ survival instincts. I feel like I’m trying to help someone from drowning, but they’re taking me down, too.

The Paradox of Longevity Science Apathy, Egocentrism, and AI Fear

Unraveling the Complex Narratives

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of technological advancements, two disparate yet interconnected issues have emerged: the apathy of the younger generation towards longevity science and the sensationalized fear of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Surprisingly, both these phenomena often share a common thread of egocentrism and self-centered thinking. This article delves into these multifaceted topics, exploring the anthropocentrism associated with longevity science, the attention-seeking nature of fearmongering surrounding AI, and their potential impact on our future.

The Bleak Future Perspective in Longevity Science

Young people's indifference towards longevity science can be attributed to their perception of a bleak future. Economic challenges, climate change, and political instability have contributed to their uncertainty about the days ahead. Living longer may seem less appealing when the future itself looks bleak, highlighting the anthropocentrism that places individual life above broader societal and environmental concerns.

Resource Consumption and Environmental Impact in Longevity Science

Environmental concerns play a significant role in the apathy towards longevity science among younger generations. The pursuit of immortality often demands extensive resource consumption and generates significant waste, echoing an anthropocentric approach that disregards the environmental impact of human actions.

Anthropocentrism and the Fear of Death

The fear of death is a fundamental aspect of human nature, fueling the desire to extend life. This anthropocentrism lies at the heart of longevity science. Similarly, it's also a key factor in the sensationalized fear of AI. Both these instances reflect the human tendency to place individual interests and fears at the forefront, sometimes overshadowing broader ethical and societal considerations.

Fearmongering in AI Discourse

The fearmongering surrounding AI often stems from egocentrism and the desire for attention. Public figures like Elon Musk have used alarmist statements to garner attention, such as Musk's declaration that "With Artificial Intelligence, we are summoning the demon." This sensationalism places personal fears and desires for the spotlight ahead of rational discussions about AI's potential and limitations.

Ignoring the Science of Quantum Mechanics and AI's Promise

Fearmongering about AI sometimes overlooks the scientific principles governing quantum mechanics. While quantum mechanics provides insights into subatomic behavior, and how our intentions, good or bad, can affect the quantum field and our futures, the negative sensationalism can distract from AI’s promise to address existential threats through data analysis, prediction, and problem-solving.

Conclusion

In the intersection of longevity science apathy, egocentrism, and sensationalized AI fears, we find a complex web of human motivations and behaviors. Anthropocentrism, the fear of death, and the desire for attention all play roles in shaping these narratives. However, it's essential to approach both topics with a balanced perspective, considering their ethical, environmental, and societal implications. By fostering informed and rational conversations, we can harness the potential of longevity science and AI to address the challenges facing our world while mitigating the negative consequences of sensationalism and self-centered thinking.

* “Logan’s Run" is a dystopian sci-fi film where people must undergo Carousel at age 30, a ritual they believe brings renewal but is actually a population control measure.

Thanks for your support! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tomross