Technology’s Quest for Immortality: A Deep Dive into Krotoski’s Insights

The quest for immortality has captivated human imagination for centuries. In her new book, The Immortalists: The Death of Death and the Race for Eternal Life, author Aleks Krotoski explores how contemporary technology intersects with age-old philosophies surrounding life and death. Krotoski examines the aspirations of Silicon Valley’s tech innovators, revealing their belief that technology can enable a form of eternal life.

At the heart of her analysis are cultural artifacts like the tüktyüi, a carved wooden object used by the Sakha people in north-eastern Siberia. These objects are believed to house the spirits of deceased loved ones, serving as a way to maintain connections after death. While this practice does not confer consciousness to the object, it highlights a human desire to preserve identity beyond the physical realm.

Krotoski contrasts this with the modern Silicon Valley approach, which seeks to transfer consciousness into digital formats. This notion of substrate neutrality suggests that consciousness could exist independently of its biological origins. For Silicon Valley’s elite, being remembered is not enough; they aspire to actively remember and experience life indefinitely. This reflects a broader philosophical perspective rooted in the ideas of John Locke, who famously asserted that consciousness defines personal identity.

The book dissects the motivations behind the Silicon Valley immortalists, who often view life through the lens of liberal individualism. This perspective reduces the essence of humanity to a code that can be manipulated and preserved. Krotoski notes that many of these tech leaders are driven by a desire to maximize personal wellness and extend life, often at the expense of deeper existential truths.

Krotoski’s exploration reveals that the cultural practices surrounding technology today are not as modern as they appear. By comparing contemporary beliefs with older traditions, she illustrates that the desire for immortality is as much about cultural narratives as it is about technological advancement. Her vignettes highlight how the quest for eternal life mirrors the pursuits of ancient alchemists searching for elixirs of youth.

As the narrative unfolds, Krotoski introduces figures like venture capitalist Bryan Johnson, who exemplifies the intersection of ambition and quirkiness in the pursuit of immortality. His competitive spirit, demonstrated through contests with his son over health metrics, encapsulates the surreal aspects of the modern wellness movement.

Krotoski argues that this obsession with life extension is not merely a personal endeavor but reflects a political theology where the powerful shape governance around their aspirations. This results in a concerning disparity, where those with resources can privately experiment with longevity treatments, influencing public policy in their favor.

In her critical examination, Krotoski posits that the movement towards immortality, while not inherently fraudulent, raises significant ethical questions. The commodification of life and consciousness threatens to create a society where only the affluent can afford to pursue eternal life, effectively turning existence into a status symbol.

The book ultimately challenges readers to reconsider the nature of existence and the value of mortality. Drawing on the ancient wisdom from the epic of Gilgamesh, Krotoski suggests that human meaning arises not from the desire to live forever but from our achievements and connections with others.

With Bodley Head publishing the book at £22, Krotoski invites a broader audience to reflect on the implications of technology-driven immortality. Her insights provide a timely examination of how we navigate our relationship with life, death, and the ever-blurring lines between them in an age dominated by technological advancement.