At the recent Abundance conference, futurist Peter Diamandis engaged a captivated audience with his belief that two major wealth-creation avenues lie in artificial intelligence and longevity. He proposed an “accredited-patient program” sanctioned by the FDA, allowing select individuals to invest in unapproved treatments. Diamandis argues that those who embark on longevity experiments, often wealthy individuals, are acting selflessly—asserting that if risks present themselves, they will primarily impact the affluent.
However, Joe Polish, a co-founder of A360, pointed out that despite the optimistic tone, attendees were driven by a fear of being left behind in advancements like AI or robotics. This highlights a duality at play, where the pursuit of longevity may stem from both a genuine aspiration to extend life and the anxiety associated with mortality.
While many proponents of extreme longevity envision extrordinary futures—where life spans extend past a century with multiple careers and robotic enhancements—Diamandis and others express concerns about the implications of such longevity on empathy and morality. Their discussions prompt important questions about how humanity might change if traditional life cycles were altered indefinitely.
Ray Kurzweil, a notable advocate for technological enhancement, leads an unusually regimented health regimen, taking numerous supplements daily to stave off the effects of aging. His enthusiasm for future technologies, like artificial pancreas systems, contrasts with the skepticism of others. Critically debating the wisdom of extending life, he and psychologist Daniel Kahneman highlighted opposing views on mortality and quality of life, with Kahneman ultimately advocating for assisted suicide when faced with decline.
Diamandis maintains a hopeful outlook on technological advancements that could potentially reverse aging and enhance health. He recently introduced the XPrize Healthspan competition, aimed at finding innovative solutions for longevity. With over 600 teams participating, the ambitious goal is not just to prolong life but to improve quality for years to come. Even as various scientific explorations unfold—ranging from genetic therapies to AI-driven solutions—challenges remain, as skeptics argue that achieving significant breakthroughs in lifespan extension is still a complex and uncertain pursuit.
As Diamandis dreams of a future where mining asteroids becomes a reality and humanity colonizes the moon, he embodies an optimistic vision of progress rooted in the belief that technological advancements can ultimately bring about both personal and collective benefits. His ambitious goals reflect an ethos of innovation that, even amid uncertainties, continues to inspire hope for the future of humanity.