114. Living Forever, Gene Editing, and Psychedelics｜David Pearce

David Pearce is a British philosopher of the negative utilitarian school of ethics. He believes and promotes the idea that there exists a strong ethical imperative for humans to work towards the abolition of suffering in all sentient life. His book-length internet manifesto The Hedonistic Imperative details how he believes the abolition of suffering can be accomplished through "paradise engineering".

He is also currently the director of BLTC Research, a non-profit research organization which was founded in 1995. It seeks to elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms of physical and mental suffering.

In out conversation we talked about transhumanism: what it is and what it looks for, how can we make life better for people and reduce suffering, psychedelics, cryonics, and much more.   

TIME STAMPS 

(0:00) Intro
(1:59) What is transhumanism?  
(13:40) The Hedonistic Imperative (1995): what became true?
(26:53) What transhumanism looks for: removing the negative
(33:43) Using designer drugs: psychedelics
(39:17) Gene therapy and anti-aging right now
(48:06) Cryothanasia?
(1:02:42) Being a realist in transhumanism
(1:04:57) Relationships in a transhumanist world

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes and a rating on our Spotify show? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!

Subscribe on YouTube: http://bit.ly/38bZNAY
Listen on Apple Podcast: https://buff.ly/2PycRL1
Listen on Spotify: https://bit.ly/growth-minds
Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/heyseankim
Learn Spanish by speaking it for free: https://www.jumpspeak.com

Past guests on Growth Minds include: Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad Poor Dad), Steve Aoki, Robert Greene, Dr. Jason Fung, Dr. Steven Gundry, Neil deGrasse Tyson (StarTalk),  Dennis Rodman, Wim Hof, Robin Sharma, Vanessa Van Edwards, King Bach, Daniel Pink, Dr. William Davis, Doctor Mike, Lewis Howes (School of Greatness), Tom Bilyeu (Impact Theory), Andrew Yang, Dr. Paul Conti, Charles Hoskinson (Ethereum), Dr. Drew (After Dark), Jo Koy, Jordan Belfort (Wolf of Wall Street), Gad Saad, Adam Carolla, Louis the Child, Vishen Lakhiani (Mindvalley), Bret Weinstein (DarkHorse Podcast), James Nestor, Dave Rubin, Scott Adams (Real Coffee with Scott Adams), Dave Asprey (Bulletproof Coffee), Gabby Reece, Rich Roll, James Altucher, R3hab, and more.