Tech’s Quest for Immortality: Exploring New Philosophies of Life

Recent discussions in technology and philosophy have prompted a reevaluation of the concept of immortality. In her new book, The Immortalists: The Death of Death and the Race for Eternal Life, author Aleks Krotoski explores how modern technology intersects with ancient beliefs about identity and existence. Krotoski examines the perspectives of various cultures, including the Sakha people of north-eastern Siberia, who use carved wooden objects known as tüktüïe to honor deceased loved ones. These objects are seen as preserving the identity of the departed, yet they do not embody consciousness in the way contemporary tech advocates envision.

While many cultures, like the Sakha, believe in transferring identity to objects, they do not suggest that these objects possess the consciousness of the deceased. This contrasts sharply with the aspirations of some modern thinkers and Silicon Valley innovators who desire a more tangible form of immortality. They align with philosopher John Locke, who emphasized that consciousness is integral to selfhood. As Krotoski highlights, the quest for immortality in tech circles is not about being remembered but about the ability to remember oneself.

Silicon Valley’s Approach to Immortality

The Silicon Valley mindset embraces the notion of substrate neutrality, which posits that consciousness can be transferred from biological neurons to silicon-based systems. This belief is rooted in the idea that a person is merely a type of code capable of self-awareness. Such perspectives drive the technological race to manipulate and extend human consciousness, reflecting a broader philosophy of liberal individualism. Advocates of this view see technology as a means to enhance one’s life experience, often pursuing what they term “life-maxxing.”

Krotoski’s examination reveals that the cultural practices surrounding this philosophy can be as unusual as traditional rituals. She argues that the phenomena surrounding Silicon Valley’s immortality pursuits echo the ancient quest for the elixir of youth. The author critiques the modern interpretation of self-knowledge, which has shifted from a philosophical reflection on mortality to a data-driven obsession with metrics such as blood-sugar levels or sleep patterns.

The Metaphysics of Wellness and Longevity

In contemporary discourse, the emphasis on wellness has become elevated to a principle akin to a new religion. Practices once viewed merely as health maintenance—such as intermittent fasting or using wellness apps—are now ritualistic elements in the pursuit of eternal life. Krotoski effectively juxtaposes this modern quest with the age-old wisdom found in the epic of Gilgamesh, which teaches that mortality lends meaning to life.

The narrative Krotoski weaves through her book reflects a critical perspective on the motivations behind the modern immortalist movement. She highlights the figure of Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur and vocal proponent of immortality, who engages in extreme self-tracking efforts. Krotoski’s portrayal captures the almost religious fervor surrounding these pursuits, where self-optimization becomes a means to combat death.

Ultimately, Krotoski posits that the movement towards immortality is not merely about esoteric biohacking; it is underpinned by a political theology. The most influential figures are not just supplement sellers, but techno-fundamentalists who seek to reshape governance in alignment with their ideals. The implications of this shift are profound: as technology advances, the potential for a disparity in access to these immortality-seeking technologies grows, raising questions about equity and ethical responsibility.

Krotoski’s work serves as both a critique and a philosophical inquiry into what it means to be human in an age increasingly driven by technological aspirations. The book, published by Bodley Head and spanning 320 pages, is priced at £22. It invites readers to reflect on the age-old questions of existence, identity, and the intersection of tradition with modernity, challenging the notion that technological progress is synonymous with the elevation of human experience.