"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg cover image

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

E86: Techno-capitalism with Bryan Johnson

Oct 17, 2024
Bryan Johnson, longevity entrepreneur and creator of the 'Don't Die' movement, dives deep into the spiritual underpinnings of his philosophy amidst the rise of AI. He explores the tension between engineering longevity and long-term thinking, discussing the potential risks of a gerontocracy. The conversation touches on how traditional religions are adapting to modern tech and the future's uncertain landscape shaped by AI. Johnson also considers life extension's implications for society and the evolving nature of identity and human connections in a tech-driven era.
01:06:46

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Long-term thinking is emphasized as crucial for evaluating current actions and their impact on future generations, particularly considering societal progress.
  • The rapid evolution of AI presents challenges for existing societal structures, necessitating the development of new systems to manage its implications effectively.

Deep dives

Long-Term Perspective on Actions

One of the prominent ideas discussed revolves around the importance of evaluating one's actions from a long-term perspective, specifically regarding how future generations will perceive them. The speaker expresses a desire to be judged by people from the 25th century rather than the present, highlighting the challenges of navigating the 'fog of war' in today’s chaotic environment. By contemplating the long-term implications of current decisions, individuals are encouraged to focus on meaningful actions that contribute positively to society's trajectory. This thought experiment aims to foster clarity amidst the noise of contemporary life and encourages prioritizing pursuits that will be valued in the future.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode