Exploring Unusual Perspectives

I find joy in delving into less mainstream groups and individuals who hold unique, eccentric, or simply fascinating viewpoints. While transhumanism may not be entirely obscure, it certainly seems less prevalent in discussions today compared to the 1990s and 2000s. During that time, organizations like Humanity+ played a significant role in keeping the movement alive.

In those earlier years, the excitement surrounding transhumanism was palpable. I remember vibrant exchanges in online forums where participants shared their "aha" moments of realizing their transhumanist identity. Enthusiastic discussions often revolved around the anticipation of a post-human existence, almost echoing a spiritual or religious fervor.

Many enthusiasts aspired to live until the 2030s, when they believed technological advancements would allow for extended lifespans. The idea of a techno-savior emerging in our lifetime felt like a tangible promise—grounded in science rather than faith.

Understanding Transhumanism

For those unfamiliar, transhumanism is a movement centered on the belief that our current physical forms are not the pinnacle of human evolution. Its proponents actively engage in discussions, research, and preparations for a future where our minds may inhabit more advanced bodies. Key topics often include life extension, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, cryonics, mind uploading, and the concept of the singularity.

The singularity represents a future point when machines with general intelligence surpass human cognitive abilities, leading to an era where technology evolves at an exponential rate. At that juncture, the fate of humanity becomes uncertain, highlighting the importance of fostering friendly AI to ensure that our digital descendants do not pose a threat to our existence. (I personally believe the risks of AI are often exaggerated, a topic I’ve elaborated on elsewhere.)

Many transhumanists appear to be, at their core, science fiction enthusiasts yearning for immortality. They envision a future where advanced AI will elevate them to extraordinary adventures rather than doom them.

Critiques from Within

Dale Carrico stands out as a prominent critic of transhumanism, often reminding its advocates of some uncomfortable truths. He pointed out that merely enjoying science fiction is not synonymous with engaging in scientific endeavors, and speculating about future possibilities is not the same as accurately predicting them. His critiques highlight the shaky foundation underlying many transhumanist aspirations.

My own encounters with transhumanism took place at the Burning Man festival. One year, a transhumanist camp set up nearby, featuring a simple arrangement of chairs and a whiteboard. The camp bore a striking resemblance to a church retreat or an Amway presentation, lacking the vibrant creativity found elsewhere at the festival. A graph displayed rapid technological advancements, culminating in the anticipated singularity, yet the camp's atmosphere felt underwhelming compared to the surrounding artistic brilliance.

This experience led me to question the allure of their envisioned future, making me appreciate my own human existence more than their imagined digital utopia.

Cult-like Tendencies in Transhumanism

A spiritual essence permeates the transhumanist movement, often manifesting as a fervent belief in the transformative power of AI and the promise of eternal life. This mindset raises concerns about cult-like behaviors, including:

• A shared belief in a world-altering ideology
• Significant commitment of time and resources to this belief
• The presence of a charismatic leader claiming special insight
• Strict adherence to ideological purity
• Apocalyptic views regarding humanity's future

Eliezer Yudkowsky, an AI researcher and co-founder of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute (MIRI), has emerged as a significant figure within this movement. He has championed the notion that ensuring AI's friendliness is of paramount importance, arguing that donations to this cause represent the most impactful use of one's resources.

In a 2010 interview, Yudkowsky affirmed that the only valid pursuits for intelligent individuals were directly contributing to singularity-related efforts or accumulating wealth to fund such initiatives. His responses often conveyed a sense of urgency, framing humanity's future as precarious and dependent on their actions.

The notion that only he could fulfill this monumental task echoed the traits of a cult of personality. Questions directed at him revealed a near-reverence from followers, highlighting the potential for a personality-driven movement.

Balancing Progress and Inequality

Over the past 15-20 years, I expected transhumanists would have evolved beyond simplistic notions of achieving immortality through lifestyle choices. However, I was surprised to find these ideas still prevalent. The Humanity+ FAQ suggests that while becoming post-human isn't feasible at present, those who endure might benefit from future advancements. Recommendations include:

• Living healthily and minimizing risk
• Exploring cryonics options
• Saving for potential life-extension treatments
• Supporting transhuman technologies financially

Notably, these suggestions seem tailored for the affluent, raising concerns about equity. The Humanity+ site posits that life-extension technologies will eventually become accessible to all, echoing dystopian scenarios where wealth creates stark divides.

The site also advocates for progressive taxation and community-funded services, yet many advocates of transhumanism tend to lean libertarian, often resisting calls for increased taxation or social services.

The Future of Transhumanism

Historically, many believed that the singularity or mind-uploading would materialize around the 2030s. Futurist Ray Kurzweil predicted it for 2045, while a 2018 survey of AI researchers yielded diverse timelines, with some suggesting it may never happen.

While the prospect of these advancements is intriguing, it raises philosophical questions about identity—if mind-uploading were possible, the resulting consciousness would merely be a copy, complicating our understanding of self.

In essence, the folk religion of the late 20th and early 21st centuries encompasses both UFOs and the singularity, with science fiction serving as their sacred text. For a thought-provoking exploration of post-singularity scenarios, I recommend Charlie Stross's Accelerando, although Stross himself maintains a skeptical view of the singularity outside of fictional narratives.

Chapter 3 Title: The Cultural Implications of Transhumanism

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Section 3.1: The Evolution of Thought

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Subsection 3.1.1: The Intersection of Science and Fiction

Chapter 4 Title: The Road Ahead for Transhumanism

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This structure allows for a nuanced exploration of transhumanism while integrating multimedia elements to enhance the discussion.