A Special Pill

"One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small" -- White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane

This month there’s been a lot of press about extending human lifespans, especially now that billionaires are getting behind the effort.

Perhaps the old saying, "You can't take it with you" needs an upgrade?

Imagine, in ten years, being able to take a pill at a certain age, say 60 or 70, that would allow you to stay the same age for ten or more years.

It may be possible!

Now imagine that it would cost $15,000 USD. And realize that for most people, paying for the pill would not be economically viable. Assuming that such a pill would be unsanctioned by any government, due let's say to unforeseen risks, the technology would remain in private hands.

If you had the money would you pop the pill?

This type of choice, in regards to how long we might live, may become a part of our lives faster than expected, as we are currently seeing exponential growth in biotech and synthetic tech.

Not only will it raise questions about social equity. It will make us think about who we are, not only as living beings, but also as members of a society where we have such a remarkably fine-grained understanding of genetic mechanisms, biological clocks etc.

If we can take pills and live 150 years what will we experience?

And if a 40 year old today could conceivably live to 150 what about the babies being born now. 250 years for those who can afford it?

Even if governments were to get on board with life extension, how will we define terms such as retirement, senior citizens, etc?

There is no doubt in my mind that entrepreneurs will rush into these potential gold mines faster than they can type telomere.

"It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think of our present existence, as a dream." — Edgar Allan Poe

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Speaking of getting old, whether organically or via some turbocharged sci-fi dosage, now might be the time to consider 25 years in Bali. While I can’t guarantee the results, anecdotal evidence suggests many additional stress-free years at very reasonable prices :

To access the draft presentation of this residential community click here and then enter the password: samara

Comments please.

Later,

Neill

Later