#487: Dr. Martine Rothblatt — A Masterclass on Asking Better Questions and Peering Into the Future

10 snips

Dec 16, 2020

Martine Rothblatt, the innovative Chairman and CEO of United Therapeutics, shares her remarkable journey of founding a biotech company to save her daughter's life. The discussion dives into transhumanism and its promise of transcending biological limitations, alongside her experiences in satellite communications and groundbreaking medical advancements. Rothblatt also reflects on the intersections of identity and technology, emphasizing the urgent need for organ transplants and the role of bioelectronic medicine. Her insights inspire a blend of hope, humor, and critical thinking.

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ANECDOTE

United Therapeutics Origin

Martine Rothblatt started United Therapeutics to save her daughter's life.
Her daughter was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare and fatal disease.

ADVICE

Shepherdizing for Medical Research

Use "shepherdizing", a legal research technique, in medical research.
Follow footnotes and citations to find relevant information and connect with researchers.

ANECDOTE

Licensing from GlaxoWelcome

GlaxoWelcome initially refused to develop the drug for Martine's daughter due to its rarity.
Martine created a biotech company, licensed the drug, and it became a billion-dollar success.

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Parable of the Sower

Octavia Butler

Published in 1993, 'Parable of the Sower' is a dark and vivid portrayal of a future where global climate change and economic crises have led to social chaos. The story is told through the diary entries of Lauren Olamina, a 15-year-old Black girl living in a gated community near Los Angeles. Lauren suffers from hyperempathy, a condition that makes her feel the pain and pleasure of others. As her community is destroyed by external threats, Lauren embarks on a perilous journey north, developing a new faith called Earthseed along the way. Earthseed's central doctrine is that 'God is Change' and cannot be resisted, but can be influenced. The novel explores themes of survival, faith, family, hope, and community in a world torn apart by environmental devastation, economic collapse, and violence.

Time Enough for Love

Robert A. Heinlein

Time Enough for Love is a novel by Robert A. Heinlein that explores the life of Lazarus Long, a man who has lived for over 2,000 years. The book is structured around Lazarus telling stories from his past, including 'The Tale of the Man Who Was Too Lazy to Fail', 'The Tale of the Twins Who Weren’t', and 'The Tale of the Adopted Daughter'. These stories delve into themes of love, family, and societal norms, often challenging traditional taboos. The novel also explores Lazarus's journey through time and space, including a visit to his own past.

The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

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Alan Watts

Alan Watts' "The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are" delves into the societal conditioning that prevents individuals from understanding their true selves. Watts explores how cultural norms and expectations often lead to a sense of alienation and disconnect from one's inner nature. He challenges readers to question ingrained beliefs and embrace a more authentic way of living. The book encourages self-discovery and a deeper understanding of one's place in the universe. Watts' writing style is known for its clarity, wit, and profound insights into human existence.

Virtually Human

Martine Rothblatt

Ralph Steadman

Ray Kurzweil

Virtually Human delves into the concept of cyberconsciousness, where human consciousness is simulated using software and computer technology, potentially allowing for digital immortality. The book examines the ethical implications of this technology and features Bina48, a sentient robot created as a mindclone of Martine Rothblatt's wife. It discusses the potential societal and legal impacts of such advancements.

The emotion machine

Mercedes García Garmilla

Marvin Minsky

In 'The Emotion Machine', Marvin Minsky argues that emotions are not separate from rational thinking but are different ways to think, enhancing our intelligence. He discusses how emotions help us deal with various problems and how they are crucial for creating a truly intelligent artificial mind. The book also delves into the challenges of modeling human behavior in AI systems.

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Thomas Kuhn

In 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions', Thomas S. Kuhn argues that scientific progress does not occur through a gradual accumulation of facts, but rather through periodic revolutions that disrupt existing paradigms. Kuhn introduces the concept of 'normal science' and 'revolutionary science', where normal science involves puzzle-solving within an established paradigm, and revolutionary science involves a paradigm shift that fundamentally changes the way scientists view the world. He explains that these revolutions are driven by the accumulation of anomalies that cannot be explained by the current paradigm, leading to a crisis and eventually a new paradigm that offers a different perspective and new ways of conducting research[1][3][5].

Your Life or Mine

Martine Rothblatt

This book delves into the moral and ethical challenges posed by xenotransplantation, the transplantation of animal organs into humans. It examines the conflict between public and private interests, considering the potential for xenotransplantation to alleviate organ shortages while mitigating the risk of disease transmission. The author proposes a geoethical framework that involves establishing international oversight to ensure safe and equitable practices.

From Transgender to Transhuman

Martine Rothblatt

Harold Brackman Ph.D.

This book, 'From Transgender to Transhuman: A Manifesto on the Freedom of Form', is an expanded edition of 'The Apartheid of Sex'. It delves into themes of gender identity, sexual orientation, and the potential for a transhuman future where traditional binary distinctions fade. Martine Rothblatt argues for a continuum of gender and sexual possibilities, envisioning a future where individuals can freely identify themselves beyond traditional categories.