#15: The First Principles Approach to Not Dying | Bryan Johnson
Jun 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Bryan Johnson, founder of a secular religious movement, spends $2m/year to avoid death. He discusses innovative approaches to longevity, including quantifying death with 'Die Scores,' measuring biological age, gene therapy, brain interfaces, and identifying effective longevity levers. Bryan emphasizes the importance of scientific rigor and assembling a team of misfits to tackle aging.
Transition from conventional to zeroth principle thinking challenges existing paradigms and sparks innovation.
Proactive approach to aging through targeted therapies and gene interventions emphasizes longevity and healthspan.
Development of Kernel project for brain interface integration showcases potential to revolutionize cognitive health monitoring.
Deep dives
Creating a Framework for First Principles Thinking and Zeroth Principle Thinking
The speaker embarked on a journey to develop a philosophical structure that supports the future of humanity by engaging in first principles thinking. Through a series of thought experiments and discussions with peers, the concept of zeroth principle thinking emerged as a new approach to envisioning radical change. This transition from conventional to zeroth principle thinking aims to challenge existing paradigms and spark innovation beyond traditional boundaries.
Embodying the Concept of 'Don't Die' as an Operating System for Human Existence
The speaker delves into the core concept of 'Don't Die' as a unifying principle for human existence. By measuring biomarkers and practicing targeted therapies, the speaker demonstrates a proactive approach to aging and longevity. Through rigorous self-experimentation and data-driven interventions, the speaker explores the nuanced aspects of physiological age, organ functionality, and the impact of gene therapies on accelerating healthspan.
Building a Mass Market Brain Interface with Kernel Project
The speaker reflects on the development of the Kernel project, aimed at creating a mass market brain interface for integrating human cognition with artificial intelligence systems. By exploring innovative brain monitoring technologies, such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy, a wearable brain-imaging device was engineered to capture real-time brain activity. Clinical trials testing the device's efficacy in mild cognitive impairment and depression showcase the project's potential to revolutionize cognitive health monitoring.
Fostering Collaborative Efforts towards a Transformed Human Experience
Encouraging audience participation, the speaker invites individuals to join a collective endeavor focused on advancing the 'Don't Die' ethos. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and ideation, the speaker aims to translate abstract concepts into actionable strategies across diverse sectors. Emphasizing the critical juncture in human evolution, the speaker advocates for a shared commitment to realizing a thriving future for humanity.
Reflecting on the Significance of Radical Innovation and Collective Progress
As the podcast episode concludes, the speaker underscores the transformative potential of embracing radical innovation and collective progress. Encouraging listeners to ponder the profound implications of their actions on shaping a vibrant future, the speaker advocates for a shift towards a holistic approach to societal challenges. By envisioning a future where humanity leverages its collective wisdom to transcend existing limitations, the speaker instills a sense of optimism and possibility for a remarkable evolution.
Exploring the Intersection of Deep Tech Innovation and Human Enhancement
Delving into the realm of deep tech innovation, the speaker shares insights into groundbreaking advancements at the intersection of neuroscience and technology. Highlighting the development of a wearable brain-imaging device and its applications in cognitive health monitoring, the speaker showcases the transformative potential of integrating advanced technologies with human cognition. Through a personalized approach to self-experimentation and cutting-edge interventions, the speaker exemplifies a proactive stance towards optimizing human potential and well-being.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Strata. Modernize your IAM with Identity Orchestration. Visit https://strata.io/firstprinciples to learn more!
======
Episode 15: Bryan Johnson spends $2m/year to not die. But this is more than just a health craze — it’s the birth of a new, secular religious movement. Here’s what Bryan believes.
======
(00:00) - Introduction (01:13) - Zeroth Principles Thinking: Going Beyond First Principles (04:05) - The Journey to "Don't Die": Bryan's Thought Experiments and Realizations (07:28) - Is "Don't Die" a Religion? Examining the Parallels (10:40) - Bryan's Roles in "Don't Die": Philosopher, Embodiment, Message Bearer (13:05) - Sponsor Break (14:08) - Quantifying Death: Introducing "Die Scores" for Behaviors and Choices (17:03) - What is Death and What is Aging? A First Principles Perspective (19:40) - Measuring Biological Age: Organ by Organ Analysis of Bryan's Body (23:48) - The Penis as a Marker of Overall Health and Vitality (26:33) - Epigenetic Clocks and the Pace of Aging Calculated Tests (30:18) - Bryan's Experience with Follistatin Gene Therapy (32:25) - Kernel: Building a Mass Market Brain Interface with Time-Domain FNIRS (36:48) - The Power Law Interventions: Identifying the Most Effective Longevity Levers (39:22) - Assembling a Team of Scientific Misfits to Tackle Aging (41:05) - Dreaming Up Ideas: Bryan's Nocturnal Creativity (42:15) - Telomeres and the Risks of Telomerase Gene Therapy (44:38) - Reflections on the Challenges of Commercializing Deep Tech (46:29) - Conclusion: Banding Together to Build an Amazing Future
