When Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin were caught on microphone discussing strategies to stay young, it seemed like science fiction. But for some, death is no longer considered inevitable. In early September, the Chinese and Russian leaders talked about using biotechnology to continuously transplant organs and achieve immortality, with Putin suggesting it might be possible to live to 150.
Technology reporter and author of a new book on the subject has spent 25 years chronicling the rise of the web and has now investigated the growing cadre of billionaire investors from Silicon Valley who want to live forever. They believe ageing is a technical problem that can and will be fixed, and are building the infrastructure to make eternal life a reality.
There are different types of immortality in this movement. Some imagine merging with artificial intelligence to become post-human, living forever in a state of bliss. Others are restructuring sovereign nations to push an agenda of technological acceleration. And some, like Xi and Putin, believe in using science to slow ageing and eventually reverse it.
The World Health Organization defines healthy ageing as maintaining functional ability that allows wellbeing in older age. But for these immortalists, the goal is not just healthy ageing but indefinite life extension. The ethical conundrums and motivations driving this belief are explored in depth, raising questions about what it would mean if the powerful could live forever.
