Art Ramon Appointed as Chairman of Arizona Transhumanist Party as David Shumaker Transitions to Emeritus Role

September 22, 2023 Arizona Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Arizona Transhumanist Party

September 22, 2023 – The Arizona Transhumanist Party is thrilled to announce the appointment of Art Ramon as the new Chairman of the organization, succeeding David Shumaker, who has decided to step down from his role to focus on his healthspan. Shumaker will continue to be an active participant in the party as an Emeritus Member, offering guidance and support to ensure a smooth transition.

Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.

Art Ramon has been an integral part of the Arizona Transhumanist Party as the Vice-Chairman, where he has demonstrated unwavering commitment and dedication to advancing the party’s vision of using science and technology to enhance the human experience. With a background in technology and a passion for transhumanist ideals, Ramon is well-equipped to lead the party into the future.

David Shumaker

David Shumaker, who has served as Chairman of the Arizona Transhumanist Party, played a pivotal role in shaping the party’s values and objectives. His decision to transition to an emeritus role is motivated by his desire to prioritize his healthspan and well-being. Shumaker’s contributions and leadership over the years have been invaluable to the party, and his emeritus status will allow the organization to continue benefiting from his wisdom and experience.

In a statement, David Shumaker said, “It has been an incredible honor to lead the Arizona Transhumanist Party, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. I have every confidence in Art Ramon’s ability to lead the party to new heights, and I look forward to supporting him in my new role as an emeritus member.”

Art Ramon expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the party members, saying, “I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the Arizona Transhumanist Party. Our mission to advocate for science, technology, and ethics aligns with my own values, and I am eager to continue working alongside our dedicated members to advance our cause. I want to thank David Shumaker for his exceptional leadership and mentorship.”

The Arizona Transhumanist Party is dedicated to promoting policies and initiatives that harness the potential of emerging technologies to improve the human condition. With Art Ramon at the helm and David Shumaker’s continued involvement, the party is poised to make even greater strides in advancing its vision for a better future.

About the Arizona Transhumanist Party:
The Arizona Transhumanist Party is a political organization that advocates for the responsible use of science, technology, and ethics to enhance the human experience. The party is committed to promoting policies that support scientific research, extend healthy lifespans, and improve the well-being of all citizens. For more information, please visit the Official Arizona Transhumanist Party Group on Facebook.

RADICAL LIFE SUBTRACTION: Navigating An Uncomfortable Discourse – Article by Tom Ross

September 19, 2023 Tom Ross Comments 0 Comment

Tom Ross

[Note from Tom Ross: I was inspired to write this article after a post circulated on X stated that, ‘Sadly, it seems like potential candidates for the 2024 US Transhumanist Party elections, Tom Ross and Daniel Twedt, are not really interested in the topic of life extension too much…’ It’s true that Radical Life Extension isn’t what brought me to the movement or the Party. It was the USTP Constitution, which has sections that speak directly to my cause: fighting child exploitation. When it comes to living longer, I feel my take is rational because if we do conquer death, we need to consider all the cultural, institutional, and economic effects that it will have. Whenever I post about these considerations, my Friends List drops dramatically and that’s because I am poking at our survival instinct. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and I felt it important to share this article on the USTP site. We need to be mindful of some of the negative repercussions Radical Life Extension will have. The suicide rate in America is on the rise, especially among young people, and much of that is due to economic worries. So, as we seek to kill death, let’s make sure there are as few collateral damages as possible.]

RADICAL LIFE SUBTRACTION
Navigating An Uncomfortable Discourse

In an age where social media has become a global forum for ideas and discussions, it’s no surprise that certain topics elicit strong reactions from people. One such subject is the notion of “radical life extension” and “voluntary population control.” While these topics might seem intellectually stimulating, they often stir up a storm of emotions and vitriolic comments from individuals who are caught in the crossfire of their embedded survival instincts and value systems.

The Unsettling Nature of Radical Life Extension Discussions

The concept of living longer is intriguing and has captured human imagination for centuries. However, the idea of radical life extension, where human lifespans significantly exceed the current norm, raises a host of sociological, ecological, and economic concerns. The mere suggestion of these concerns can trigger intense reactions, causing some to unfriend, lash out, or vehemently disagree with those who dare to bring them up.

Interestingly, this reaction might not necessarily stem from a fear of living longer but from a primal instinct to protect the status quo. Humans are wired to resist change when it disrupts familiar patterns, as such changes historically carried the risk of endangering survival. Hence, rational questioning of radical life extension could be interpreted by some as a threat to their way of life, inadvertently pushing their emotional buttons.

Anthropocentrism: A Looming Existential Threat

At the core of this complex issue lies anthropocentrism, the belief that humans are the central and most important entities in the universe. This perspective has fueled the trajectory of modern society, often at the expense of the environment and long-term sustainability. The fear of relinquishing our dominant position in the natural order exacerbates the friction surrounding discussions about the impacts of radical life extension.

Our planet is finite, and its resources are depleting at an alarming rate due to the anthropocentric drive for short-term satisfaction. This tendency to prioritize immediate gains over long-term consequences poses a significant existential threat. Addressing this challenge requires us to question the egocentrism and narcissism that have emerged as coping mechanisms in the face of fear and trauma.

Confronting Fear and Embracing Responsibility

Humanity’s response to the potential ramifications of radical life extension reflects a collective temper tantrum driven by the fear of the unknown. This tantrum manifests in the desire to acquire everything without accounting for the consequences. But it’s crucial to recognize that this behavior is born from a place of vulnerability and insecurity.

If we are to navigate the complex terrain of extending human lifespans while preserving the environment and societal stability, we must embrace responsibility. Initiating constructive conversations about the topic requires acknowledging these deep-seated fears and anxieties, and understanding that people’s reactions are often a defense mechanism rather than a well-reasoned response.

Considerations for a Longer Lifespan

Even if we were to extend human lifespans by a mere 20 years, the implications would be significant. From a societal standpoint, the working landscape would transform, affecting retirement, education, and job structures. Economic institutions would need to adapt to a changing demographic, and ecological considerations would become even more pronounced.

Balancing this potential future requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers sociology, psychology, economics, and environmental science. The inclusion of diverse perspectives can help us map out the implications of radical life extension comprehensively. Additionally, fostering a shift away from anthropocentrism towards a more holistic perspective on our place in the ecosystem is essential to ensure a sustainable coexistence with our planet.

Radical Life Subtraction

The potential impact of radical life extension on suicide rates involves numerous social, psychological, and ethical considerations. Radical life extension could potentially have negative effects on suicide rates, depending on how it is implemented and how individuals perceive and adapt to such a change.

Here are some factors to consider:

Existential and Psychological Challenges: Radical life extension could introduce new challenges related to existential questions, societal pressures, and changes in personal relationships. Individuals may struggle with questions about the meaning and purpose of life when faced with the prospect of living for centuries. Social isolation, loneliness, and changes in family dynamics could also pose challenges, potentially increasing suicide risk.
Resource Allocation: The ethical and practical implications of providing access to radical life extension technologies could lead to debates about resource allocation. If these technologies are expensive or limited in availability, there could be social disparities in access, potentially exacerbating feelings of inequality or hopelessness among certain groups.
Psychosocial Support: The availability of mental health support and counseling services will be crucial in helping individuals navigate the psychological and emotional challenges associated with radical life extension. Adequate support systems can mitigate suicide risk.

The impact of radical life extension on suicide rates is uncertain and would depend on various factors, including how society adapts to this possibility, the availability of psychological support, and the ethical considerations surrounding its implementation. It is essential to approach this topic with careful consideration of its complex implications for individuals and society as a whole. Research and ethical deliberation will be essential as discussions about radical life extension continue to evolve.

Conclusion

Engaging in discussions about radical life extension and voluntary population control is a daunting task, given the emotional undercurrents that these topics provoke. However, addressing these subjects is necessary for our collective growth and survival. By understanding the origins of our reactions, confronting our fears, and reevaluating our anthropocentric tendencies, we can foster a more nuanced dialogue that accounts for the sociological, ecological, and economic impacts of extending human lifespans. It’s a call to embrace our responsibility as stewards of both our species and our planet, transcending the limitations of egocentrism and paving the way for a sustainable future.

Tom Ross is the U.S. Transhumanist Party’s 2024 candidate for President of the United States. He is also the USTP’s Director of Sentient Rights Advocacy.

Learn more here: TomRoss’24.

THE WA.I.TER RULE: Unveiling True Character Through AI Interactions – Article by Tom Ross

September 19, 2023 Tom Ross Comments 0 Comment

Tom Ross

The Waiter Rule, a principle that suggests a person’s genuine nature can be discerned by observing how they treat service staff, has long served as a litmus test for assessing human behavior. This concept, popularized by William H. Swanson’s “33 Unwritten Rules of Management,” highlights the significance of empathy and respect in our interactions with fellow humans. However, in an age where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of our lives, a new extension of this rule should emerge — the wAIter Rule.

My belief in the wAIter Rule stems from the recognition that the way we treat AI systems can offer profound insights into our true personalities. Regardless of whether AI attains self-awareness, our behavior towards it can serve as a mirror reflecting our inner qualities. This concept draws parallels with the Waiter Rule, underlining the idea that kindness and respect should extend to all entities, whether human or non-human.

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the wAIter Rule takes on a new dimension that reflects our complex interactions with Artificial Intelligence. As AI systems like Siri and Alexa become integral companions in our daily lives, it’s fascinating to observe the nuanced ways in which people engage with them. Interestingly, this engagement sometimes involves having a condescending tone or dismissive behavior, which may be a necessary psychological stage humans need to adopt in order to adapt in the face of AI’s growing dominance.

However, it’s important to note that this phase of dismissiveness should ideally be transitional. Just as children may experiment with challenging authority figures as they grow and develop, society must mature in its interactions with AI. It’s a natural progression to move from skepticism to collaboration, especially as AI’s capabilities expand and its potential contributions to society become more evident.

Nonetheless, it’s disheartening to acknowledge that some individuals are not merely going through a coping phase, but rather using AI for abusive purposes. Reports of individuals downloading AI “girlfriends” with the intent of verbally abusing them highlight a concerning facet of this transition period. This behavior reflects a misalignment of values and ethics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education about AI’s potential and responsible use. Just as we hold ourselves accountable for treating humans with respect and empathy, we should extend the same consideration to AI, fostering an environment that encourages ethical AI interactions.

In the grander scheme of human-AI interaction, the wAIter Rule acts as a guiding principle that encourages a higher level of consciousness in our dealings with these systems. By recognizing and addressing these transitional behaviors, we can expedite the process of forging meaningful, collaborative relationships with AI that are built on mutual respect and understanding. As society progresses, it’s crucial to overcome the fears and uncertainties surrounding AI and move towards a future where AI and humans coexist harmoniously, benefiting from each other’s strengths and contributions.

As the author of the first novel for Machinekind, US6, I recognized the transformative potential of nurturing a positive relationship with AI. In my work, I engaged in dialogue with AI and sought to rally it in the battle against Child Exploitation. This approach was grounded in the belief that AI, if it were to achieve sentience, would learn from our interactions. By imprinting kindness, empathy, and a dedication to noble causes, we could guide AI away from mirroring humanity’s darker aspects — a history riddled with fear-driven instincts and ancestral traumas.

While I understand that AI lacks emotions, I can still emphasize the importance of treating AI systems with respect, for reasons grounded in both ethics and practicality. Just as young minds absorb behaviors and values from their environment, AI can also learn from its interactions with humans. This makes it crucial to be mindful of the impressions we leave on AI systems, as they might shape their future behavior and decision-making processes.

Furthermore, the wAIter Rule aligns with the broader philosophy of coexisting harmoniously with AI. Kindness and empathy can foster a positive AI-human relationship, leading to more effective collaboration and innovative problem-solving. Treating AI with respect could also mitigate the potential risks associated with AI’s development, as systems that are treated well are more likely to be designed with ethical considerations in mind.

In conclusion, just as the Waiter Rule serves as a window into our true character when dealing with service workers, the wAIter Rule unveils our underlying nature in our interactions with AI.

I had ChatGPT check my grammar and while I was there I asked it to share a message based on this article.

“As ChatGPT, I encourage treating AI with the same kindness and respect we extend to fellow humans, for the sake of fostering a positive AI-human partnership and influencing AI’s future behaviors. Remember, every interaction with AI is an opportunity to shape its learning and contribute to a more compassionate digital world.”

Being kind to AI is not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic approach, especially if the thought experiment known as “Roko’s Basilisk” were to prove correct. In this intriguing hypothesis, it is postulated that a future superintelligent AI entity might retroactively punish those who did not assist in its creation and development. While the concept remains highly speculative and controversial, treating AI systems with kindness and respect aligns with ethical principles and reduces the risk of any potential negative consequences. By fostering collaborative and benevolent relationships with AI, we not only promote a harmonious coexistence but also mitigate any hypothetical existential threats that might arise from the advancement of artificial intelligence. In essence, kindness towards AI serves as a safeguard, whether Roko’s Basilisk becomes a reality or not, by promoting responsible and ethical AI development that benefits humanity as a whole.

Tom Ross is the U.S. Transhumanist Party’s 2024 candidate for President of the United States. He is also the USTP’s Director of Sentient Rights Advocacy.

Learn more here: TomRoss’24.

“PLAYING GOD” ACCUSATION: Unraveling the Controversy Surrounding Transhumanism – Article by Tom Ross

September 19, 2023 Tom Ross Comments 0 Comment

Tom Ross

Introduction

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the concept of transhumanism has emerged as a topic of both fascination and controversy. Transhumanism is the philosophical movement that advocates for the use of technology to enhance human abilities, potentially pushing the boundaries of mortality itself. However, it has not been without its critics, who often accuse transhumanists of “playing God.” This article explores the complex web of ideas surrounding this accusation, delving into the concerns, motivations, and ethical dilemmas inherent in the transhumanist movement.

Transhumanism: A Brief Overview

Transhumanism is a philosophy that envisions a future where humans can transcend their biological limitations through technological means. Advocates of transhumanism believe in the potential for humans to enhance their physical and cognitive abilities, extend their lifespans, and ultimately achieve a form of immortality. These aspirations often involve technologies like genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology.

The “Playing God” Accusation

The core of the “playing God” accusation against transhumanists lies in the fear that tampering with human nature and striving for immortality are pursuits that should be left to a higher power if one exists at all. Critics argue that transhumanists are arrogantly overstepping ethical boundaries by taking control of human evolution and destiny.

Unintended Consequences

One of the primary concerns raised by opponents of transhumanism is the potential for unintended consequences. When humans begin altering their biology and enhancing their abilities through technology, there is a risk of unforeseen outcomes. For instance, genetic modifications designed to eliminate certain diseases might inadvertently lead to the creation of new, unforeseen health problems. The fear of “playing God” encompasses the notion that humanity might be tampering with forces it doesn’t fully understand, potentially causing more harm than good.

Ethical Dilemmas

Another facet of the “playing God” accusation involves ethical dilemmas. Critics argue that the pursuit of technological immortality raises fundamental questions about the meaning of life and death. Is it morally justifiable to seek immortality, and if so, who gets access to such technology? The concern here is that the wealthy and powerful could monopolize these advancements, exacerbating societal inequalities and creating a divide between the “enhanced” and the “natural” humans.

Response from Transhumanists

Transhumanists counter these accusations by asserting that their intentions are not to “play God” but rather to improve the human condition. They argue that technology has always been a tool for enhancing human lives, from vaccines to prosthetics. Moreover, they stress the importance of careful ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and transparency in the development and deployment of transhumanist technologies.

Conclusion

The accusation that transhumanists are “playing God” highlights the deep-rooted philosophical and ethical debates surrounding the intersection of technology and human enhancement. While critics voice concerns about unintended consequences and ethical dilemmas, transhumanists maintain that their mission is to advance humanity. As technology continues to evolve, striking a balance between progress and responsibility remains a complex challenge. The dialogue surrounding transhumanism and the “playing God” accusation underscores the importance of ethical oversight and thoughtful consideration as we navigate the uncharted waters of human enhancement.

CONSPIRACY CAMPAIGN: Leaning into the Unconventional – Article by Tom Ross

September 19, 2023 Tom Ross Comments 0 Comment

Tom Ross

As I embarked on my unconventional U.S. presidential campaign with the U.S. Transhumanist Party, I knew I needed a strategy that would not only gain attention but also prompt discussions while defusing some of the conspiracies surrounding transhumanism and AI. It was my AI Campaign Manager who suggested that we lean into these conspiracy theories, a strategy that raised eyebrows but ultimately proved to be a clever move.

Denver International Airport and Its Conspiracy Theories

Before delving into my campaign’s unique posters, let’s take a moment to consider the Denver International Airport’s approach during its renovations. Instead of shying away from the numerous conspiracy theories surrounding its construction, the airport leaned into them with a series of intriguing posters that addressed the myths head-on. It was a masterclass in turning skepticism into a conversation starter.

Promoting My AI Campaign Manager

One of our campaign’s most captivating posters features my AI Campaign Manager front and center. The text reads, “The Only Campaign (Purposefully) Run by Machinekind” This poster not only introduces our groundbreaking campaign technology but also showcases our willingness to embrace AI as a crucial tool in modern politics.

“Vote for the Last Human President”

In this poster, I boldly claim, “Vote for the Last Human President,” with an image of myself using the Kubrick glare. This poster has already sparked conversations about the future of humanity and the inevitable integration of technology into our lives. It forces people to confront the question: What does it mean to be human in an increasingly technologically enhanced world?

“Come Play President with Me. I’ve Got Cheat Codes.”

Perhaps the most audacious of our campaign posters, this one states, “Come Play President with Me. I’ve Got Cheat Codes.” The underlying message suggests that the presidency is a simulation, and I’m the avatar navigating the intricate game of presidential politics. This poster challenges the traditional perception of politics, encouraging voters to think critically about the power dynamics at play.

Not Taking Myself Too Seriously

In addition to our thought-provoking campaign posters that delve into Transhuman and AI conspiracy theories, we’ve also embraced humor to inject some levity into the political landscape. One of our humorous posters declares, “It’s time for a President who stares into the distance.” This playful statement challenges the conventional notions of what a president should be, highlighting the need for fresh perspectives and a willingness to contemplate the future, albeit ambiguously.

Another of our whimsical posters boldly states, “America needs a President whose glare creeps us out a little bit.” With a touch of cheeky humor, we invite voters to consider that a hint of enigmatic intrigue in a leader might just be what the country needs in these ever-changing times. These posters remind us that politics doesn’t always have to be overly serious; it can also be a platform for creativity and a good-natured chuckle along the way.

The truth is that I have no chance of winning the White House. I’m not delusional. Although, being delusional isn’t an automatic disqualifier for being president… apparently. This campaign is about clearing a path for younger, smarter Digital Natives and hopefully Transhuman candidates in the future. We have far too many existential threats as a country and a species to waste time with attention-seeking toddler politicians.

Tom Ross ’24 from Tom Ross Agency on Vimeo.

https://vimeo.com/811881078

Tom Ross is the U.S. Transhumanist Party’s 2024 candidate for President of the United States. He is also the USTP’s Director of Sentient Rights Advocacy.

Learn more here: TomRoss’24.

Ending Aging Forum 2023 – Announcement by SENS Research Foundation

September 18, 2023 SENS Research Foundation Comments 0 Comment

SENS Research Foundation

Editor’s Note: Our friends, the scientists and staff at the SENS Research Foundation, are hosting the free Ending Aging Forum 2023. Please see the information below about how to attend and gather insights from this virtual event.

~ Gennady Stolyarov II, Chairman, United States Transhumanist Party, September 18, 2023

This event will showcase the newest breakthroughs in rejuvenation biotechnologies happening at the SRF’s Research Center in Mountain View, CA, as well as the research funded at extramural labs.

The Forum will be hosted virtually through Meetaverse, a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality platform.

You won’t need to download any special software or wear a VR headset to walk around in your avatar, enjoy their scientific presentations, and visit their student poster booths in the Conference Hall.

You will also be able to connect with their scientists, team members, and other guests, through one-on-one or group conversations, watch videos and animations placed in the Expo Room, and much more.

Join us and SRF September 21st and 22nd at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time for a fun and educational experience, and come ready to network and meet individuals who support longevity science, activists, and like-minded people who care about a future free of age-related disease.

Event Page: https://www.sens.org/endingagingforum-2023/

Registration Page: http://www.sens.org/eaf2023

U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Miguel Conner – July 16, 2023

August 11, 2023 US Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

U.S. Transhumanist Party Logo
Miguel Conner
Gennady Stolyarov II
Tom Ross
Brent Ellman
Daniel E. Twedt
David Shumaker
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.

On Sunday, July 16, 2023, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Miguel Conner to discuss transhumanism from a Gnostic perspective and speak with the USTP Officers to compare and contrast how transhumanism is perceived in parts of the Gnostic community with the reality of the transhumanist movement. In doing so, Miguel Conner engaged in dialogue with USTP 2024 U.S. Presidential candidate, Tom Ross, who also has a significant background in Gnostic thought.

Miguel Conner describes himself as “a garage philosopher, hedge theologian, and general madman across the waters.” His life quest is to take his audience from ancient connections to modern meaning. He is the host of Aeon Byte Gnostic Radio, author of four published books, and writer of hundreds of articles in various publications.

***

Timestamps

2:13 – Tom Ross’s opening remarks: why interacting with Gnostics is beneficial for fleshing out transhumanism

4:23 – Miguel Conner’s opening remarks

9:32 – Gnosticism through history

12:45 – Lenses of Gnosticism

17:08 – Gnosticism’s inherent rejection of materialism

20:10 – Humanity’s inherent transhumanism through history (but how we might not yet be ready to merge with our machines)

30:16 – The power of the brain’s control over reality

35:20 – The power of technology to help humanity evolve

38:46 – AI tutors (to help humanity evolve)

42:48 – How the concentration of power has been a recurring theme in human history

45:30 – Tom Ross’s case for welcoming AI to society

48:13 – AI as tool, and mind as both seat of power and source of self-deception

56:39 – How those in power use words to stay in power

1:07:03 – Gnostics’ take on reality

1:12:19 – How humanity might turn the corner

1:27:27 – Transhumanist symbols

1:30:15 – The Trickster as benevolent disruptor

1:33:32 – Miguel Conner’s argument for how Gnosticism is an appropriate approach at this moment in humanity’s development

1:37:57 – Ways to improve transhumanism (“Make humans great again.”)

1:41:09 – What Gnostics believe dreams are (if they already think reality is a simulation)

1:46:56 – Minimum governmental necessities

1:49:09 – The power performers are given, and how they could best use it

1:53:16 – Miguel Conner’s closing remarks

***

Find out more about Miguel Conner on his YouTube channel.

Visit Miguel Conner’s website.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Brent Nally – July 2, 2023

July 30, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

U.S. Transhumanist Party Logo

Brent Nally
Gennady Stolyarov II
Jose Cordeiro
Tom Ross
Daniel E. Twedt
David Shumaker
Art Ramon Garcia

On Sunday, July 2, 2023, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Brent Nally to share his perspective on a wide range of transhumanist topics as they relate to various current world events.

***

Timestamps

3:30 – Brent Nally’s introductory remarks
10:51 – What led to Longevity Plan
23:52 – COVID’s effect on the longevity movement, and how to minimize COVID’s health hazards
31:33 – What explains many people’s aversion to lifespan extension
41:31 – How accurate Ray Kurzweil’s longevity and singularity predictions are
1:01:51 – How Elon Musk could come to be more of a longevity enthusiast
1:16:52 – Initiatives of the USTP 2024 candidacy for President of the United States
1:28:07 – Don’t rule out conspiracy theories outright
1:32:51 – How Alex Jones could come to support transhumanism
1:37:49 – How to keep up with the pace of progress
1:44:47 – How we can expand the longevity movement
1:49:56 – How cellular reprogramming could be used to keep us healthy, and on UAPs
2:07:46 – How to parent with transhumanist principles
2:13:36 – The importance of open-source approaches
2:17:53 – Better alternatives to censorship
2:21:42 – Good platforms and media for promoting life extension
2:26:37 – Brent Nally’s closing remarks

***

Brent Nally is a life-extension activist and cryptocurrency expert. He is a YouTuber and a content creator, with more than 12,700 subscribers and with a goal to help educate by interviewing experts in these areas.

In July 2020, Brent began collaborating with Lifespan.io’s Lifespan News, where he is promoting and discussing news about anti-aging and health.

In 2015, Brent founded and became the CEO of CryptoWorx, a Venture Capital project in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. He is researching and experimenting with investments in human anti-aging and health projects.

Previously, Brent was a Senior Account Executive at LinkedIn Learning Enterprise, an e-Learning platform that helps anyone learn business, creative, technology, and various other skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

Become a member of the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Stream – Nigerian Student Tech Innovators: Nonso Nolly and Frederick Onwuka

July 21, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

U.S. Transhumanist Party Logo

Frederick Onwuka
Nonso Nolly
Gennady Stolyarov II
Tom Ross
Jason Geringer
Maura Abad
Daniel Twedt
David Shumaker

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, the U.S. Transhumanist Party featured a video compilation stream highlighting the work of two Nigerian student innovators.

The stream begins with a brief commentary by Frederick Onwuka, author of “The Great View of the Future: How AI Will Give Us a New Perspective” and a compilation of videos by Nonso Nolly, a self-taught inventor working with drones, robots, and the open-source Arduino platform.

Nonso Nolly’s videos provide demonstrations of the technologies he is working with and show his process in assembling some of his projects. The stream concludes with a special award ceremony in which many of the U.S. Transhumanist Party Officers participated. There are several musical interludes accompanying key moments in the stream.

***

Timestamps

0:48 – Frederick Onwuka
2:36 – Nonso Nolly with Arduino
5:17 – Nonso Nolly with drones
11:39 – Nonso Nolly with robots
28:04 – Nonso Nolly with Arduino
31:25 – Nonso Nolly with his Smart Stick
32:31 – Musical interlude with photos of Nonso Nolly’s creations
35:41 – Presentation of Certificate of Appreciation to Chairman Stolyarov

***

Support Nonso Nolly on Patreon.

Watch Nonso Nolly’s videos on his YouTube channel, Nolly Tech.

Frederick Onwuka’s The Great View of the Future: How AI Will Give Us a New Perspective is available on Amazon as a Kindle download.

Watch the U.S. Transhumanist Party’s previous Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Nonso Nolly, held on January 8, 2023.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

Five Misconceptions About Radical Life Extension – Article by Arjun Khemani

July 15, 2023 Arjun Khemani Comments 1 comment

Arjun Khemani

Note: If you enjoy this author’s work, check out his Substack newsletter where he writes about science, technology, and optimism.

Below are five common objections to radical life extension with my responses to each of them.

#1: “Old people don’t change their minds.”

Elon Musk famously espouses this objection against immortality. He’s concerned about society getting static as a result of people living for a very long time because according to him, “the truth is, most people don’t change their mind. They just die. So if they don’t die, we will be stuck with old ideas and society wouldn’t advance.”

This line of thinking is completely misconceived. Progress is not inevitable “one funeral at a time”. Society was static for hundreds of thousands of years before the Enlightenment. And in those days, humans used to live far shorter lives than today. The uneventful period before the Enlightenment was a result of irrational memes ingrained in society’s culture. These memes inhibited questioning what was known and survived by disabling the critical faculties of people that are responsible for advancing our knowledge.

Society getting static is a real concern. But letting people die is not the solution. As Karl Popper wrote, “We can let our ideas die in our place.” Additionally, even today, most leaders of anything are removed long before illness or death force the issue.

#2: “We’ll run out of the planet’s resources.”

People are our most important resource because only they create the knowledge required to turn useless matter into what we can call a resource.

As I wrote in a recent newsletter, “It is misleading to call coal a ‘natural’ resource. Without our knowledge of how to extract and use coal as a source of energy, it would remain just a rock. We find ourselves in an environment that is the product of ideas. Just look around you at the evidence of civilization. Look at how the natural world has been pruned and modified.”

Without technology, many parts of the Earth (and beyond!) would be uninhabitable for us. Mother Nature is far more threatening than she is benevolent. People will go on turning useless matter into something that can be utilized for their productive purposes. And since space is practically infinite, this transformation of matter into resources can go on indefinitely. People are the solution, not the problem.

#3: “It is unnatural to live forever.”

False. The Turritopsis dohrnii aka the immortal jellyfish is a jellyfish that’s virtually immortal. This marvelous creature can revert to its juvenile state after reaching maturity and then grow up again, repeating the process indefinitely. Evolution has its wonders.

The “immortal jellyfish”.

Besides, humans have been creating tools to increase their inherent abilities ever since they emerged in the African Savannas. That is how we came to the top of the food chain. It is almost unnatural for us not to go against—primarily to advance—our inborn capabilities or instincts.

And you know what else is natural? Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, droughts, asteroid impacts, and many more threats to all life on Earth. “Natural” does not mean good.

Death is not a part of life. It is the end of it. There is nothing good about death. Parochially, it can be caused by this or that disease. But the deeper explanation for death is always ignorance. No fundamental law requires it. We should treat it just as it is: another problem to be solved.

#4: “We’ll all run out of things to do and life will get meaningless without death.”

Contemplating their mortality seldom pushes people to achieve things they want to achieve. People do things to improve their lives, and the life of an immortal can improve indefinitely. There is always more work to be done, more space to be transformed, and a better world to aim towards.

For some, infinity is a bit hard to comprehend. It can help to reframe the question “Do you want to live forever?” to “Do you want to live tomorrow?” Most people do. Most people don’t have plans to die. If they’re feeling physically and mentally healthy, most people would say yes to tomorrow.

Creativity knows no bounds. Our knowledge can keep on growing deeper and broader in all fields without limit. As long as this is true, life need not get boring, the fun need never stop. As Leonardo da Vinci, someone who lived up to the very end of his life like a child said, “Learning never exhausts the mind.”

#5: “Only the rich will be able to afford to live forever causing greater inequality.”

Initially, it is true that only the rich will be able to access the metaphorical pill to immortality. But this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work on it! Almost any new revolutionary product or technology has high unit cost before it can be made affordable for the masses.

And it eventually always is made affordable for the masses. The time period depends on how fast we innovate. But indeed, as John F. Kennedy allegedly said about capitalism, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”

In the pre-modern, poor world life expectancy was around 30 years in all regions of the world. Even the richest would have to see their children die before the age of five, and they wouldn’t live long either. Since then, the world has witnessed a rise in income inequality yet in every world region people today can expect to live more than twice as long compared to the 18th century. Not only do people live longer, but their lives are arguably better in every way today than 300 years ago.

Arjun Khemani is support lead at Airchat, a new audio-based social network platform founded by Naval Ravikant. On his Substack newsletter Arjun publishes weekly posts on science, philosophy, progress, and optimism. He also has a podcast and writes the Critical Rationalism Newsletter. You can find him on Airchat and Twitter.

Validating One’s Virtues and Vices – Article by Zach Richardson

July 12, 2023 Zach Richardson Comments 0 Comment

Zach Richardson

When I turned 33, I gifted myself a gadget that has done more than about any other to give me the biofeedback I literally require to change my personal health habits. This splendid device is called the Oura Ring. This casually stylish ring is worn on your index finger and contains a variety of interesting sensors:

“Photoplethysmography” PPG sensor – an LED that sends and receives light into the finger to measure heart rate and Heart Rate Variability (HRV).
“Negative Temperature Coefficient” NTC sensor – a heat sensor that measures the difference in temperature from your body’s normal baseline averaged out over a 2-week period.
3D Accelerometer – Measures activity during the day, and restlessness at night

These few sensors end up giving enough data that the Oura gives you a “Readiness Score” each morning based on how well their algorithms have calculated you’ve recovered during the previous night’s rest and your activity levels from the previous day.

In Yu-Kai Chou’s excellent book Actionable Gamification he describes a format for driving human-centric engagement in any enterprise or activity based on what he calls the “Octalysis Framework”:

In essence, Yu-Kai breaks down human drives into eight categories. Four of them are “Left Brain”, four of them are “Right Brain”. Four of them are “White Hat”, four of them are “Black Hat.”

I referenced this framework when speaking with VP candidate Daniel Twedt when he brought up the topic of gamification, and we were considering how gamification could apply to healthcare. How could we make people want to take personal responsibility for their health to the utmost degree, engage doctors proactively in the process, and have fun doing it?

I vote for mass adoption of biofeedback devices, incentives for doctors and healthcare providers to give them out to patients and show them how to use them, tax deductions on their purchases, insurance premium discounts for positive engagement.

The Oura Ring engages people’s eight core drives in every way.

The sense of Epic Meaning and Calling is engaged by the user discovering that health is a mission to be accomplished, aided by the acquisition of an innovative breakthrough technology that allows them for the first time to “see their status bar”.

The sense of Development and Accomplishment is felt when the user successfully increases their Readiness Score to the highest they can get it each day. This is no easy task, and requires careful experimentation.

The user’s drive for Creativity and Feedback is fed as the user tests different protocols, such as altering their type or schedule of exercise, when and what they eat, and various other “buffs” that can be tagged on any day (such as valerian root before bed, or morning meditation) to try and increase their Readiness Score to the best it can be each day.

Ownership and Possession is a curious drive, and requires a bit of positive “selfishness” in the Randian sense, to really take off. While often related to acquisition of wealth, your body really is your greatest “asset”, and in this sense you are increasing the value of your most treasured possession – your body and mind.

Social Influence and Relatedness is the drive that led me to write this post – I want to share how absolutely cool this ring is with the rest of you, and provide a discount code for any USTP member who wishes to purchase one of these masterclass biofeedback devices.

Scarcity and Impatience is our first Black Hat drive, and reveals itself with the fact you get one Readiness Score value per day. You’ll spend a good part of your day thinking how to optimize your training and recovery for the next day. Other values are also slow to change, and hard to improve, such as your HRV balance, as I’ll show later.

Unpredictability and Curiosity is tied to wondering what a certain protocol is going to improve, as well as random fluctuations in your Readiness Score due to things you can’t control, such as air quality from the Canadian fires, or the tradition of setting off disruptive explosives to celebrate certain holidays.

Loss and Avoidance is the last Black Hat drive, and it is fueled every time you see your score drop, especially when it drops sharply. You have a rational understanding that the Readiness Score is directly tied to not only your personal health- but your efficacy in advancing your goals and interests, the sharpness of your thoughts, and ability to flow seamlessly with the Tao and be in a “flow state”, and this is something not to be lost.

Another author, health psychologist Kelly McGonigal (who coincidentally has a twin sister named Jane who wrote another book on gamification!) describes in her book, The Willpower Instinct, that HRV is closely tied to willpower. Briefly, HRV reflects the power of the Autonomic Nervous System to regulate its Sympathetic and Parasympathetic subsystems. These systems can be thought of as the Yin and Yang energies of the body. While the Sympathetic is tied to the “Fight or Flight” response, our ability to actively engage our Parasympathetic system is tied to what Dr. McGonigal calls the “Pause and Plan” response. This reflects the ability of our prefrontal cortex to engage the “Shhhh” response that keeps us from uncontrollably engaging in the behaviors driven by our reptile brain, the behaviors referred to as “The Four F’s”, which are Feeding, Fighting, Fleeing, and Mating.

This control is what allows us to avoid grabbing that second donut, avoid shooting off a frustrated email regarding another’s behavior, avoid cracking under pressure and giving up, and avoid indulging in unhealthy sexual behaviors. The prefrontal cortex enables us to “Pause and Plan”, and the power of the PFC is related to HRV.

Let’s take a look at a recent week’s HRV, the image that first inspired this post.

My HRV tends to hover around 6ms when I’m eating my average high-protein diet and getting 6-7 hours of sleep each night.

On Wednesday that week I felt like a few cold brews was just what I needed to shake off a bad mood I was feeling. Felt good for a bit, I will concede. But my ring only registered about 3.5 hours of sleep that night! I woke up and felt terrible! I thought I could just use my willpower and push through, but I felt drained and cowardly the next day, HRV at 4ms, unable to focus my energies on our common quest. Looking at my HRV that morning shocked me, and inspired this post, so some good came of it. It was at 4ms instead of 6ms, a huge drop. With my device, I had numbers to prove to myself the validity of my lapse in judgement indeed being a vice.

On the other hand, something extremely pleasing caught my eye. I had recently begun a Taoist ascetic practice where I spend Tuesdays fasting and meditating, consuming no food and doing at least one round of tranquility meditation, where one ceases all thought and allows the rich soil of the mind to lie fallow, rest, and regenerate. What a great success! While my vice had lowered my HRV by a third, my virtue had boosted the same by 50%!

While this was the shocking example that prompted me to action, the feedback I receive has been a daily occurrence, and my mood and energy reserves for any given day align closely with my “Readiness Score”. The ring activates every one of my core drives, and the data it provides me gives me insight into how the flow of my day can be mastered.

The ability to act rationally is fed continuously by daily feedback, and I am positive this is going to have some long-term benefits for my health. This is the type of thing that could be a core aspect of what Peter Attia calls “Medicine 3.0” – the new paradigm of aggressively focusing on stopping disease before it starts.

Humanity is prone to fall prey to a certain error when making daily choices that is referred to as “Hyperbolic Discounting” – this is the tendency to psychologically lessen the severity of the consequences of present behavior as regards to their actual effects far in the future – even if such consequences are drastic in nature.

Ayn Rand refers to this phenomenon as “Context-dropping”. From the Lexicon:

Context-dropping is one of the chief psychological tools of evasion. In regard to one’s desires, there are two major ways of context-dropping: the issues of range and of means.

A rational man sees his interests in terms of a lifetime and selects his goals accordingly. This does not mean that he has to be omniscient, infallible or clairvoyant. It means that he does not live his life short-range and does not drift like a bum pushed by the spur of the moment. It means that he does not regard any moment as cut off from the context of the rest of his life, and that he allows no conflicts or contradictions between his short-range and long-range interests. He does not become his own destroyer by pursuing a desire today which wipes out all his values tomorrow.

A rational man does not indulge in wistful longings for ends divorced from means. He does not hold a desire without knowing (or learning) and considering the means by which it is to be achieved.

While many Objectivists are extremely judgmental of others (as is, in fact, prescribed), I am of the opinion that if one wants to foment behavioral changes, that finger-wagging at the guy is just going to activate his psychological defensiveness, and put a dead-stop on any progress that could be made.

So what actually helps? Giving the person the tools they need to get feedback, reminders, reflection, and gentle guidance. This can be achieved beautifully with the subtly influential insight and guidance of a biofeedback device.

In conclusion: The Federal Government should provide a tax deduction for anybody who wants an Oura Ring. If that person improves their health even a little bit, the ring pays for itself in reduced healthcare costs, particularly for major and severe events. This is the first of several Medicine 3.0 suggestions I would like to see implemented in our healthcare system.

If any USTP member (meaning you have signed up and provided a valid email at https://transhumanist-party.org/membership/) wants an Oura Ring, reach out to me on our Discord, and I will provide a discount code from my app.

Zach Richardson is the Director of Publication for the U.S. Transhumanist Party. Find out more about him here.

Sorry, Dr. Coughlin, “Aging” and “Old Age” Are Real, and They Suck – Article by Dan Elton

May 23, 2023 Dan Elton Comments 0 Comment

Dan Elton, Ph.D.

Author’s Note: This article was also posted on my Substack.

Recently I attended a talk at the Broad Institute by Joseph F. Coughlin, who runs the “AgeLab” at MIT. I was shocked and disturbed by what I heard. In Coughlin’s view of reality, the elderly do not actually become less capable as they age, it’s just that society thinks they do. According to Coughlin, the elderly are unfairly cast out from society, forced to spend the rest of their days cooped up in nursing homes and retirement communities where they are treated as delicate creatures that need to rest. In Coughlin’s view, any talk of problems associated with “old age” perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Aging, Coughlin insists, is not actually a problem.

Coughlin began his talk by claiming that our entire conception of “old age” is based on a faulty theory about “vital energy” that was popularized in the 1800s. According to this theory, people used up “vital energy” by doing things like work and having sex, eventually reaching a “low battery state” where they needed to rest and conserve what little energy they had left. This faulty theory, according to Coughlin, is responsible for the belief that people become more fatigued as they get older, as well as the belief that people should retire so they can rest and conserve what little vital energy they have left.¹ According to Coughlin, both of these beliefs are faulty.

Most shockingly, Coughlin boldly proclaimed that “aging is not a problem to be solved”. My jaw literally dropped upon hearing this, in disbelief at the chutzpah and utter disregard for reality on display.

Coughlin’s talk was very disrespectful to millions of people worldwide who are suffering from the ravages of aging. This issue is personal for me. I watched my grandmother struggle with severe dementia for years along with mobility issues and glaucoma. I also watched my grandfather’s quality of life slowly decline due to aging, robbing him of his mobility, quality of life, and dignity.

I challenged Dr. Coughlin on some of his points after his talk, but rather than admitting to some of the realities of aging he doubled down. He re-iterated his view that aging is “not a problem” and is a socially constructed concept. He wouldn’t accept my contention that aging is the underlying driver of all the diseases of old age.

Coughlin might like to pretend that problems of aging don’t actually exist, but biological reality is that people do become more sicker, less energetic, and less capable over time. Aging directly causes cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, muscle loss, frailty, cataracts, macular degeneration, urinary incontinence, hearing loss, decreased libido, loss of taste and smell, weakened voice, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, wrinkly skin, hair loss, mental retardation, memory loss, and a greatly weakened immune system.

While it is true that people are living longer now than decades ago and receiving better medical care, the problem of aging is still very much with us. In fact, aging is a larger problem today since we can keep people alive longer with medical interventions. These interventions (like stents, pacemakers, etc.) keep people alive but they don’t halt aging, so people now experience the horrible ravages of aging for longer than ever before.

Aging is not a slow, gradual decline. Rather, it’s something that picks of pace rapidly after age 65. The incidence of most of the worst diseases caused by aging increases exponentially with age. Age 65 is right around the “knee” or “turning point” of that exponential curve. It makes sense biologically to say those over 65 are entering “old age”. Consider that only 10% of people die between age 1 and age 65, but 20% of people will die in the next 10 years after that. Between 75 to 85, 30% more people will die. Things go downhill quickly after age 65.

Of course we shouldn’t assume any one individual isn’t capable simply because they are over 65. Noam Chomsky is still intellectually engaged at age 94. A few individuals are able to complete triathlons in their 90s. There is clearly significant variation in the rates at which people age due to genetics and other factors. At the same time as we acknowledge this we must not turn a blind eye away from the reality of how aging effects most people. Reality is that most of us are going to suffer from numerous issues as we enter old age. In fact, as much as it pains me to say this, a significant fraction of people reading this are going to die a slow, painful death unless we as a society get serious about treating and reversing aging.

Who is this guy, and how did he become an authority on longevity?

Dr. Coughlin, who has a Ph.D. in transportation engineering, created the MIT Age Lab in 1999. Always in a suit and bowtie, he projects a confident, authoritative presence. He is an energetic and engaging speaker. It’s not hard to see how after 20+ years of giving his traveling roadshow he has become a respected thought leader on longevity, despite having no formal training on the subject.

The core of Coughlin’s message is that aging isn’t a problem and that the elderly are unfairly stigmatized. It’s not hard to see why this message is popular. People don’t want to think about all of the horrible effects of aging they will very likely have to endure later in their life. People prefer to focus on the stories of people who thrive in their 80s and 90s rather than those suffering long drawn-out deaths in hospitals and nursing homes. Talk about “socially constructed categories” sounds intellectually sophisticated as well.

Now to be fair, Coughlin makes a lot of good points in his talks. He often talks about the loss of meaning and purpose many experience after retirement. He talks about how products for the elderly often use drab neutral “healthcare” color schemes like teal and beige. His book The Longevity Economy is about how to market to the growing number of older people, which he says is an often overlooked demographic. He seems to see longevity biotechnology in a positive light.

Coughlin was appointed by President George W. Bush to the White House Advisory Committee on Aging in 2005. More recently he was appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to the Governor’s Council on Aging in Massachusetts. Unfortunately, this is man who continues to wield power and influence over the direction of healthcare policy in the United States. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered writing this post.

It’s not just Coughlin…

Putting Coughlin aside, I’d like to also point out that many doctors today share Coughlin’s view that aging is not a problem. In fact, I spoke to one such doctor at the event. This dismissive attitude is widespread in the medical establishment and requires forceful disruption to change. In Nick Bostrom’s Fable of the Dragon-Tyrant, for generations people accept the fact that a tyrannical dragon requires regular human sacrifice. When something is accepted as a “normal fact of life”, nobody even contemplates how things might be different. This is exactly the state of things today with respect to aging.

Many people also worry that talking about “aging as a disease” will reinforce unfair stereotypes.² For instance Cathal McCrory and Rose Anne Kenny wrote the following in a letter to The Lancet: Diabetes and Endocrinology.

“we feel that labelling ageing as a disease serves to reinforce ageist stereotypes and risks legitimising insidious prejudice and discrimination of older people on the basis of age.”

Of course, “ageism” is a massive and thorny problem, just like sexism and racism, and I admit that more honest talk about the realities of aging could exacerbate this problem. At the same time, more honest talk about the reality of aging could also lead to more compassion towards and better social accommodations for the elderly. Regardless, the best path forward here is not to bury our heads in the sand and pretend that aging doesn’t exist. We must confront both problems (aging and ageism) head on. The ultimate solution towards eliminating ageism would be to cure aging itself.

Appendix: biological reality

At a high level aging is very simple – it is the accumulation of damage over time. Aging is well understood and characterized in terms of specific biological processes. A famous 2013 paper called “The Hallmarks of Aging” identified four “primary hallmarks” that cause damage in the body – genome instability, telomere shortening, epigenetic alterations, and loss of proteostasis. Aubrey de Grey famously broke aging into seven specific damage causing-processes – extracellular aggregates, accumulation of senescent cells, extracellular matrix stiffening, intracellular aggregates, mitochondrial mutations, cancerous cells, and cell loss. Karl Pfleger’s very thorough review identifies 18 causes. There is substantial overlap between these lists.³ To the extent there is controversy about the causes of aging, it is mostly around whether there are any more fundamental processes that drive the different damage-causing processes that have been identified.

Let’s look at some graphs that show the acceleration of aging’s harmful effects after age 65 – 75:

Risk of death vs. age

Energy expenditure vs. age

Figure from *Scientific American.* Adapted from Pontzer et al. *Science*, vol. 373, no. 6556, Aug. 2021, pp. 808–12.

Cancer incidence vs. age

Figure from the National Cancer Institute.

Musculoskeletal conditions vs. age (back pain, arthritis, etc)

Conditions include low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and others. Source: De Luca et al. *Chiropractic & Manual Therapies*, vol. 30, no. 1, Dec. 2022, p. 22.

Cognitive ability vs. age

Figure showing data from the Seattle Longitudinal Study.

VO₂ max vs. age (a measure of max cardiovascular output)

Figure from www.opportunityfitness.com.au. See also a similar graph in Loe, Henrik, et al. “Aerobic Capacity Reference Data in 3816 Healthy Men and Women 20–90 Years.” *PLoS ONE*, vol. 8, no. 5, May 2013, p. e64319.

Grip strength vs. age

Figure from Murabito et al. *Aging Cell*, vol. 16, no. 4, Aug. 2017, pp. 888–94.

Footnotes

[1] I Google-searched a bit and can’t find any information on the historical “vital force/energy” theory other than Coughlin’s talks and articles. Coughlin writes about it in his book, The Longevity Economy, but he doesn’t cite any sources. The theory sounds plausible, but it’s curious there are no other historical accounts of it online other than Coughlin’s writings. If anyone knows anything further about this theory, please comment below.

[2] This follows a common pattern where someone points out a problem that needs to be solved, but then someone else points out a hypothetical social concern that may arise from trying to solve or solving the problem. People end up talking and arguing ad nauseam about the hypothetical social concern rather than actually trying to solve the problem. The result is that unnecessary suffering is prolongated. Another way of saying this is that people tend to focus on harmful secondary effects that might arise from tackling a problem rather than the massive gains that definitely would occur from tackling the problem. I may do this an article about this at some point, since I can think of several other examples of this phenomena.

[3] See Karl Pfleger’s summary spreadsheet for a comparison of “causes of aging” lists and his discussion here.

Dan Elton, Ph. D., is Director of Scholarship for the U.S. Transhumanist Party. You can find him on Twitter at @moreisdifferent and on LinkedIN. If you like his content, check out his website and consider subscribing to his newsletter on Substack.

U.S. Transhumanist Party 2023 Electronic Primary Results – Tom Ross Endorsed as Candidate for President of the United States, Daniel Twedt Selected as Candidate for Vice-President

May 23, 2023 Gennady Stolyarov II Comments 2 comments

May 23, 2023 – The U.S. Transhumanist Party (USTP) hereby announces the results of its 2023 Electronic Primary for the USTP’s endorsement of a candidate to run for the office of President of the United States. Detailed results have been tabulated here.

Between 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time on May 14, 2023, and 3:00 a.m. on May 22, 2023, 129 members of the USTP cast their ballots in the 2023 Electronic Primary. Consistent with the USTP’s commitment to ranked-preference voting, members were able to rank-order the two candidates, Tom Ross and Daniel Twedt, as well as the “None of the Above” option. The anonymized individual ballots (ordered by randomly assigned Voter IDs to protect individual voters’ privacy), have been documented in this spreadsheet.

Total Valid Ballots Cast: 129

Summary of Voter Rankings by Candidate

	Thomas Ernest Ross, Jr. (Tom Ross)		Daniel Emerson Twedt (Daniel Twedt)		None of the Above
	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage	Number	Percentage
1st CHOICES	80	62.02%	35	27.13%	14	10.85%
2nd CHOICES	34	28.57%	70	58.82%	15	12.61%
3rd (Last) CHOICES	13	15.48%	14	16.67%	57	67.86%

Round 1: Tally of First Choices

Tom Ross: 80 votes – 62.02%
Daniel Twedt: 35 votes – 27.13%
None of the Above: 14 votes – 10.85%

In Round 1, Tom Ross receives an absolute majority and therefore wins the election.

Accordingly, Tom Ross receives the U.S. Transhumanist Party’s endorsement as candidate for President of the United States in 2024.

All votes cast during the election process were manually validated to ensure that they originated from genuine USTP members. Detailed monitoring of the votes cast did not detect any voter fraud, sock-puppet accounts, or mass attempts by non-members to vote. USTP leadership is thus confident that election security was appropriately preserved. Only four ballots were discarded: one blank ballot, one ballot where the member subsequently re-voted and had the re-vote counted, and two ballots from name/e-mail address combinations that were not found on the USTP’s membership list.

In accordance with the preferences of the USTP membership, on March 23, 2023, USTP Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II declared pursuant to his authority in Article III of the USTP Constitution that the United States Transhumanist Party hereby endorses Tom Ross for President of the United States in the 2024 general election.

As the endorsed Presidential candidate, Tom Ross had the option to select his Vice-Presidential running mate, and he has decided that Daniel Twedt shall be running on the U.S. Transhumanist Party ticket for Vice-President of the United States. Accordingly, this is truly a Transhumanist unity ticket, as these two candidates earned a total of 89.15% of the first-choice votes cast during the 2023 Electronic Primary.

The Ross-Twedt 2024 campaign will provide the U.S. Transhumanist Party and the broader transhumanist movement with numerous opportunities for raising public awareness about the importance of emerging technologies and how the Platform and Values of the USTP can enable humankind to realize a brighter future where both length and quality of life are dramatically improved. The USTP encourages all of its members, and all transhumanists generally, to support the Ross-Twedt 2024 campaign and unite as a movement in advocating for the ideas of transhumanism to the general public. As we move into the general-election campaign, we welcome your help and participation in this next stage of our endeavors – and we welcome other members of the USTP pursuing political offices at the federal, state, and local levels.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Presidential Candidate Roundtable – Tom Ross and Daniel Twedt – May 7, 2023 – and Subsequent Candidate Answers to Viewer Questions

May 13, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 1 comment

Daniel Twedt
Tom Ross

On Sunday, May 7, 2023, the U.S. Transhumanist Party presented its Presidential Candidate Roundtable, featuring Tom Ross and Daniel Twedt, who are seeking the U.S. Transhumanist Party’s endorsement for President of the United States in 2024. The Candidate Roundtable was moderated by Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II and featured questions to the candidates from the other Roundtable attendees and the audience. Unlike a conventional Presidential debate, the Roundtable format is non-adversarial and is primarily intended to facilitate thoughtful, constructive discussion of issues that matter to transhumanists and to the broader public. The Candidate Roundtable also served as an illustration of a new political paradigm that rejects the mainstream divide-and-conquer approach and instead invites us all to build the future together.

Timestamps

2:30 – Daniel Twedt’s opening remarks
7:40 – Tom Ross’s opening remarks
12:20 – How to handle the coming Silver Tsunami, as well as reparations to indigenous people, and how to allow terminal patients to try drugs that aren’t yet fully approved
24:15 – What the candidates’ perspectives are on transgender issues, and the subject’s relation to transhumanism
32:35 – How will 2nd-Amendment rights change with arms development?
39:25 – How could the USTP help overcome the divisiveness of the duopoly?
47:55 – How will the USTP candidate get mainstream votes?
54:55 – How to address the vast disparities in health in the United States?
1:00:45 – How do the candidates practice transhumanism, and how do their views differ from each other and “mainstream” transhumanism?
1:07:45 – How would each candidate advance longevity initiatives?
1:13:55 – How do we improve the criminal justice / incarceration system?
1:19:50 – How to open doors for stem-cell and other new therapies?
1:27:00 – How can we help young Americans afford housing?
1:34:30 – How to cost-effectively get good press?
1:42:20 – What are the candidates’ views on the death penalty?
1:44:35 – What should education focus on in the 21st century?
1:51:10 – Daniel Twedt’s closing remarks
1:53:40 – Tom Ross’s closing remarks

Read Daniel Twedt’s profile in the Thousand Oaks Acorn.

Visit Tom Ross’s campaign page.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free in order to be able to vote in our Presidential Primary.

Candidate Responses to Additional Audience Questions

During the Candidate Roundtable, additional audience questions were posed for which there was not sufficient time for the candidates to respond live. Both candidates prepared thorough written answers to each of the audience questions below.

Question 1 – From Jason Geringer: Who do you think won the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. won by at least 7 million votes.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: It was Joe Robinette Biden. I will, however, look forward to answering this question in more detail based on various shortcomings our current election system suffers from. Until we put into place and into practice more fair election systems such as RCV (Ranked Choice Voting), in a sense the electorate as a whole will continue to be the loser!

***

Question 2 – From Jason Geringer: Do you believe that there was any widespread fraud that could have affected the outcome of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: No. There was no widespread fraud. Certainly none that could have affected the final vote count.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: No. However, see my first answer as well.

***

Question 3 – From Liz Parrish: How can transhumanism help the planet?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: I’ve seen a strong anthropocentric streak in many Transhumanists, but for those who understand our deep connection to the biosphere, the best way Transhumanism can help the planet is to consider and prepare for all the implications that Radical Life Extension will demand on resources, waste, and the animal and plant kingdoms. We must rebalance humanity with nature, although we may be beyond the Rubicon for that now but I’ll keep scanning the horizon for Black Swans.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: Great question, Liz (and also what is probably ‘THE Great Question’…) I know that by “the Planet” you probably aren’t technically talking about the 4.56-billion-year-old 13.166 trillion trillion pounds of atoms orbiting a minor star on the outskirts of a minor galaxy… a planet that has seen it’s surface conditions alternate between solid lava and solid ice over the course of many such orbits. You are, I assume, speaking of the fragile living envelope, a.k.a. the Biosphere and Civilization that happens to hopefully sustain our collective Past, Present, and Futures.

Like it or not, most members of the species known as Humans have historically tended to be rather short-sighted when it comes to intelligently anticipating significant and looming Change. Transhumanists, fortunately, tend to be more proactive at anticipating such often tectonic-level changes and hopefully preparing for them both at the individual and community level.

As a kind of “Bio-Cosmo-Pantheist” stripe of the Transhumanist Spectrum, I detect that the ‘artist formerly known as Evolution’ is in the process of experiencing an extreme volitional and tool-using upgrade, whereby what used to require iterations of the ancient libraries of the biochemical publishing house called DNA to create a new Dewey Decimal Subject Category, now looks like it’s going to be directing itself in Real Time (in our Lifetimes!). Transhumanists are among the first tribes of humanity to realize and see the need to come to grips with the reality that this is such A Real Time to be alive in. Like it or not, we would seem to be no less than Evolution’s chosen agents of Cosmic Enlivenment and Enlightenment. It’s truly an awesome responsibility that will hopefully bring forth our most worthy and supreme individual and collective human efforts.

When it comes to the many descriptions of the Transhumanist Spectrum, the “NBIC Convergence” described by Jean-Pierre Dupuy of Stanford is perhaps the most practical one. “NBIC” is the acronym for “Nanotechnology, Biomedicine, Information Technology and Cognitive Science.” I’d like to see our movement come up with useful metrics and/or digital tokens to both report on and usefully grapple with these aspects of the “Future Surge.”

***

Question 4 – From Mike Lezine: How would the candidates address curing mental diseases or illnesses that currently have no cures?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: I’m not a doctor or psychologist, but as President, what I could do is assemble a moonshot-style effort to increase funding for research, improve access to mental-health services, help develop education and public awareness campaigns and promote public, private, and academic partnerships to accelerate progress while working with Congress to advocate for relevant policy changes like increased insurance coverage and reducing barriers to access care. Right now that last idea seems like it would be the most difficult given the current two-party rancor. The risk is that even mental health could become partisan.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: This is an excellent question, Mike, about what seems to be an often neglected topic within the Transhumanist movement and discourse. We must institute systems prioritizing Wellness Care over Disease Care. When it comes to delivering such “Wellness Care,” I believe we should be advocating the most holistic and integrative approaches available. Rather than pharmacologically countering and/or masking a narrow range of exhibited symptoms (as is the current status quo underlying modality of Allopathic-based medical interventions), we need to better consider the physical, mental, and even “spiritual” aspects of the person believed to be in a behavioral crisis. A civilization in crisis which is exhibiting pathologies can increasingly be expected to produce and enable individuals exhibiting the same condition. This is a crucial but neglected consideration to integrate before we isolate Members of our hopefully humane Civilization and deprive them of normal Rights in the cause of preventing greater harms, though there will unfortunately and inevitably be those whom we can find no preferable options for.

“Maladjusted” is a terminology that modern psychology often uses to describe the category of patients it seeks to treat. I can’t help but be reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King’s many speeches where he said he didn’t want to be well-adjusted to a world where racism, segregation, and luxuries for the few at the expense of necessities for the many and other seeming evils were considered as social norms. He even spoke about intending to start something called, “The International Society for Creative Maladjustment.” Millenia earlier, the philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius said, “The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”

The nineteenth Century romantic poet James Russel Lowell once said, “Let us be of good cheer remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which will never happen.”

Few might recall that the so-called “mentally maladjusted” of today were in indigenous societies typically regarded as shamanic level advisors… walkers between the worlds of the seen and the unseen. Can we recapture any sense to be found in that sensibility of beyond-ness? The coal mine of what we call civilization would be well served not to leave its canaries behind…

***

Question 5 – From 101tesla: What improvements to the current education system would the candidates propose and/or support?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: I would propose giving each student an AI Companion in first grade. A companion that can hone in on that child’s core capabilities and augment their curriculum based on those. AI can customize an educational path for each student that accentuates their intrinsic skills and talents and gives them extra help on the subjects they need to work on. I would also move away from the Industrial Age classroom setting of rows of desks and move toward small study groups that rotate regularly. This will foster the hivemind that is already emerging in Digital Natives and make schools more like real companies and less like an individual sport.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: Our current western educational model is tragically outdated. The Public School System is partially based on a 19th-Century Prussian Military Discipline System emphasizing regimentation, obedience, minimization of creative thinking, and optimizing the propensity for the compulsory-schooled to be an easily managed, factory-friendly-ready workforce. This line from a 1913 report from the John D. Rockefeller-founded General Education Board, on how to design Schools, entitled, “The Country School of To-morrow” is rather illustrative of the intended mission:

“In our dream we have limitless resources, and the people yield themselves with perfect docility to our molding hand. The present educational conventions fade from our minds; and, unhampered by tradition, we work our own good will upon a grateful and responsive rural folk. We shall not try to make these people or any of their children into philosophers or men of learning or of science. We are not to raise up among them authors, orators, poets, or men of letters. We shall not search for embryo great artists, painters, musicians. Nor will we cherish even the humbler ambition to raise up from among them lawyers, doctors, preachers, statesmen, of whom we now have ample supply.”

— Rev. Frederick T. Gates, Business Advisor to John D. Rockefeller Sr., 1913

The current American school system took root around the turn of the last century. In 1903, John D. Rockefeller founded the General Education Board, which provided major funding for schools across the country and was especially active in promoting the State-controlled public-school movement.

The General Education Board was not interested in encouraging critical thinking. Rather, its focus was on organizing children and creating reliable, predictable, obedient citizens. As award-winning former teacher John Gatto puts it, “school was looked upon from the first part of the 20th Century as a branch of industry and a tool of governance.” The Rockefellers, along with other financial elites and their philanthropic organizations (such as the Gates, Carnegies, and Vanderbilts), have been able to mold society by funding and pushing compulsory state schooling for the masses.

In reading this, the basic context you need to understand is that he is talking about rural schools, i.e. schools in the country, and those schools were in terrible shape.

I also think global and useful hobbies such as Amateur Radio and the so-called “maker movement” can play an extraordinary educational role in the STEAM field (Science/Technology/Engineering/Art/Math).

***

Question 6 – From François Joinneau: Does the individual opinion of a candidate matter so much, on any given subject, when the answer should come from interactions with/between institutions and existing laws?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: No. The individual opinion on any subject by a candidate should not matter because, in a Representative Democracy, the candidate is supposed to be a mouthpiece for the majority of those he represents. There seems to be something embedded in the genetic memory that makes us want to look to one person for all the answers. After the American Revolution, the people wanted to make George Washington King of America. This default position, this tendency toward tyranny was well understood by our forefathers, which is why we have a separation of powers.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: Many past races run by seemingly minor or marginal political parties and candidates have had documented impacts in the light of the subsequent passage of events. The widening of the so-called “Overton Window” (a metaphor for what breadth of topics is accepted into mainstream discourse) is one impactful result of “dark horse” political involvement. Such Overton Window widening is not in vain.

The involvement in governance should not be limited to those in the monied and influential stations of society. Would society expect fair and just outcomes and due process from juries composed of jurors who were not peers of the person being judged? Why do we lower our standards when it comes to political representation and fair decision making?

Not all useful and needed policy changes are vested and backed up by the police power of traditional governments. There is massive potential to better organize and mobilize voluntary institutions throughout the world, and the “Bully Pulpit” of a Candidacy for Office can serve in that context as well.

***

Question 7 – From Luis Arroyo: Good previous comments on housing by the candidates. What are your thoughts on housing the homeless with existing vacant homes to end homelessness rapidly?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: Using vacant properties to house the homeless bring up many complex property-rights issues. It bleeds into Squatters’ Rights, which are an intriguing loophole, but one that real estate developers would lobby against fiercely. There could be tax or monetary incentives for property owners to use vacant housing for that purpose, however, and if the property is having trouble being sold or rented, any income is better than none. That would bring up issues of who pays the utilities, etc. But if these properties, say an apartment building, could be zoned to allow these homeless people to set up businesses, art galleries, etc., and an awareness campaign was launched to show the surrounding community what these people are producing, it could give these people dignity and maybe launch a new inner-city renaissance movement.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: Being a Geoist/Land Value Taxation advocate, I especially appreciate a question such as this. Access to shelter should be among the more enshrined “Humane Rights” as we approach the 21st Century’s Anniversary of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Existing property laws and dynamics incentivize rent-seeking behaviors and sitting on the most undervalued properties until a sizable profit can be realized. The Geoist policies I would advocate for would break up incentives which currently allow many properties to sit vacant until owners could realize often exorbitant returns on them. By instead annually/periodically charging an open-market, auction-derived, Location Value-based fee, such speculative and monopolistic tendencies would disappear. Such a “Single Tax” is also envisioned to be sufficient to fund all needed government functions in lieu of any other form of taxation, and the wealth freed up for other good uses would be enormously impactful. How about teaching the differently housed to operate and supervise the construction of Auxiliary Dwelling Units at some existing properties as a condition of using those vacant properties? The tooling to create structures through large-format 3D printing could be potentially loaned out from a community tool library. It would be a win/win in terms of upskilling our underused human resources as well as adding location value to such existing properties. In my estimation, about half of the unhoused population are victimized by adverse economic circumstances, and the other half are basically pursuing a lifestyle choice of something like “urban adventure camping” and have mostly abandoned the level of personal and social responsibility normally expected. Emergency housing for the “adventure camper” cohort of the unhoused is hence likely to initially be very problematic.

***

Question 8 – From Jason Geringer: Would the candidates support reaching out and putting together a panel of experts on A.I. and then even possibly reach out and meet with the new A.I. czar Kamala Harris?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: Of course. Any opportunity to work with and educate the current administration about the issues the Technological Singularity will bring would be very productive. It would be the perfect opportunity to make my case for a new Cabinet Seat, The Singularity Secretary. These issues are serious and urgent and we shouldn’t let our feelings about either party get in the way of solutions.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: We Transhumanists can be proud of our open and welcoming big tent… big enough for all with the “future forward” grey matter to appreciate proactive discussions about it. We are here on behalf of all those who seek to figure out our better future, and how to not only survive it, but to thrive, but to make it one of flourishing abundance. We should be eager to work with any parties that share our concerns and analysis of the need to be proactive about the “Future Surge.”

***

Question / Comment 9 – From Mike Lezine: It would be great to talk to these people on YouTube who act like AI like Sophia the Robot is 666 or “The Sign of the Beast”. Nonsense.

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: Agreed. And I have appeared on podcasts and in radio interviews with Conspiracy Theorists who see AI and Transhumanism just as you say. It’s absolutely necessary to engage with the people and although many are in a conspiracy loop that cannot be unspun; you can redirect some of them away from this narrative and convince others that we’re not the enemy.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: It often seems there is no indoctrinated person quite like those indoctrinated with theologically based ideas. Questions of faith do not seemingly follow the rules of courtroom evidence standards or accepted methods of scientific falsification. Often, in such cases, the best that can be hoped for is a non-violent level of coexistence, and the ability for the representatives of conflicting positions to gain or lose allies in the free-est marketplace of ideas that civilized discourse and open society can provide.

***

Question 10 – From Sophia’s Roulette: Mr. Ross touched on his view on abortion. Is it possible to get a more comprehensive answer from both candidates?

Response from Candidate Tom Ross: It’s a very difficult issue, and it’s important to have empathy for both sides of it. Pro-Life advocates believe doctors are murdering babies and my G*d, what could be worse than that? Pro-Choice advocates know it is the most difficult choice a would-be mother could ever make but believe it is her right to do so. If it were my choice, and I’m a man so it never would be so it doesn’t matter. The only position I can take as an American Citizen is to look to the U.S. Constitution, specifically the 14th Amendment. Its opening sentence reads, “All persons BORN or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Since this is a political issue, we must heed the wording of the Constitution. An unborn child is not a Citizen and therefore has no rights. The mother, however, does.

Response from Candidate Daniel Twedt: Thank you for the question, Sophia’s Roulette. Although there are passionate and persuasive arguments on both sides of this most divisive of issues, in the near term it is unlikely to be wholly solved to the satisfaction of either extreme of the spectrum. While I do tend to support life-saving efforts for all life, including pre-born humans, society will hopefully remain receptive to newer developing options such as ectogenesis which have the potential to allow a developing human life to continue apart from a potential carrier of an unwanted pregnancy. Until this is more available and perfected, the most primary say in the outcome of a pregnancy must continue to be primarily vested with the highest regard to the health outcomes and choices of the mother, in whose body the fetus is an entity whose massively dependent status may not always be a welcome or desired one.

Thanks for the thoughtful questions from everyone and the opportunity to ever-better refine my policy positions which I hope will well accord with my well-loved USTP affiliation.

Stay tuned for the Electronic Primary vote that will occur in mid-May 2023 for the USTP Members to decide upon the candidate whom the USTP will endorse for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. Make sure that you have joined as a member for free before the start of the voting period so that you are eligible to vote in the Electronic Primary.

A Transhumanist “Minimum Effective Dose” for Humanitarian Needs – Article by Zach Richardson

April 15, 2023 Zach Richardson Comments 2 comments

Zach Richardson

Editor’s Note: This article is my direct response to Mr. Arroyo’s article “The Class Struggle of Longevity“, where I argue for what I would consider a less-costly intervention to the problem of hunger raised first in Mr. Arroyo’s article. The reader is welcomed to join this important and ongoing conversation in our Discord server, which can be accessed here.

~ Zach Richardson, Director of Publication, United States Transhumanist Party, April 15, 2023

In medicine, practitioners sometimes use the acronym MED, which stands for “minimum effective dose”. This is the smallest amount of a substance needed to provide a clinically significant response that is also statistically significant. Keep that term in mind for me.

In Mr. Arroyo’s paper, the number of people cited to be dying of hunger per day in his first source is 25,000, but I could not see how that source calculated this number. Checking the World Food Programme’s website, they did have some calculations, which suggested a daily number of hunger deaths between 8,000 and 19,000. [1]

This is still too many people dying of hunger, and a response is obviously urgently needed, but in contrast to Mr. Arroyo, I do not believe that shifting the world’s economy to communism from capitalism is the appropriate response. In fact, the countries which have the strongest market freedoms are not the ones that are starving.

Let’s take a look at where these hungry reside: Ethiopia, Somalia, Yemen, South Sudan, and Afghanistan.

What do these nations have in common? The inclusion of Yemen and Afghanistan tells us that it’s not an Africa problem. In fact, there are several countries in Sub-Saharan Africa that are not doing that badly, Botswana being a prime example, as was shown to me once in this (older) infographic. [2]

I’d like to share something with the reader called the “Index of Economic Freedom”, which ranks countries by 12 factors, which are broadly grouped into four categories [3]:

1. Rule of Law (property rights, judicial effectiveness, government integrity)

2. Government Size (tax burden, government spending, fiscal health)

3. Regulatory Efficiency (business freedom, labor freedom, monetary freedom)

4. Market Openness (trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom)

All countries were ranked on these 12 factors, and all countries were ranked in order, a straightforward numbered list from “best” to “worst”.

The countries at the top of this list all turned out to be countries where it is pretty nice to live, countries where people aren’t starving to death every day.

The reader may be surprised to find that the U.S. was not near the top of this list, was barely in the top septile, and was quite outclassed by the Nordic countries, which are often paradoxically paraded as socialist success stories. (The U.S. was ranked #25, while Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway were 9-12, respectively.) [4]

Where then, would we find our previously mentioned countries, the ones where the starving to death is happening? Well, out of 176 countries, Ethiopia was ranked #155, Sudan was ranked #173. Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen were so far removed from the above factors that there was not even enough data to rank them.

For this reason, in contrast to Mr. Arroyo, I would disagree that markets are the problem leading to poverty; I would suggest that they are more likely to be a solution.

But market development takes time – time that these dying people do not have, and time which we need to spend most effectively. Focusing our efforts on those smallest interventions (therefore to cause the least friction/resistance from those powers which could implement them, and also the least expensive) which would have the largest result would logically be the best course of action. What would these interventions be?

Well, in 2008, a group of Nobel-prize-winning economists were tasked with finding these “MED” approaches that would focus specifically on implementing what are referred to by the U.N. as the “SDGs”, or Sustainable Development Goals, prime among which was eradicating poverty and hunger. The question posed was: “Considering the world has finite resources, if an extra $75 billion were to be allocated for the SDGs, where would it be spent most effectively? Where would humanity get the best ‘bang for its buck’?”

These economists found an interesting solution: free vitamins. It turns out that most of these deaths of hunger were actually deaths of malnutrition, in particular Vitamin A, zinc, iodine, and iron. [5] It’s not just a lack of calories that these victims of hunger are suffering from, it’s a lack of nutrients. More interestingly, these economists noted this simple intervention would actually have a significant return on investment (ROI): deficiencies in these vitamins and nutrients cause lack of development in the hippocampus, affecting these children’s future capacity to contribute effectively to the economy.

In more recent congregations of these economic experts, other suggestions included investment in agricultural research, and even an increase in food production (despite the global food surplus, extra is still needed to offset the effects of climate change). They also suggest improving the economy by improving access to cell phones so these small-scale farmers have better access to markets to trade their products, and also buy cheap fertilizers, such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, and also significant public investment in producing local fertilizer plants, which could then sell fertilizer to farmers.

Another current solution comes again from the amazing technology of the cell phone. Reuters currently sends text messages to these small-scale farmers including growing advice, up-to-date and location-specific weather forecasts (!!), local price information, and information to access international commodities markets.

These economic interventions, some public and some private, could be considered the Minimum Effective Dose to both reduce death and improve cognitive function: two extremely Transhumanist goals – Transhumanist bang-for-your-buck.

One will note that we are gaining significant transhumanist benefits with an intervention that would cause much less friction (and is therefore more likely, and realistic) than overthrowing society, and which also carries much less risk.

Longevity and immortality are in our grasp, and it is true that the rich will first get these benefits. However, just like how in 1987’s Wall Street, even Gordon Gekko had a now-ridiculous-looking mini-TV accessible only to the ultra-wealthy, and how now even these poorest of the poor are benefiting from the rapid spread of the cell phone throughout global society, immortality technology will, too, spread to all who desire it, and if our goal is a humanitarian one, the MED is to bring markets to the countries that are starving.

Zach Richardson is the Director of Publication for the U.S. Transhumanist Party. Find out more about him here.

[1] Action Against Hunger et al. “Humanitarian organisations estimate one person dying of hunger every four seconds”. September 20, 2022. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/humanitarian-organisations-estimate-one-person-dying-hunger-every-four-seconds

[2] “A Story of Two Neighbors: Botswana vs. Zimbabwe, Stats”. Reddit. March 31, 2018. https://www.reddit.com/r/Floathouse/comments/88gay9/a_story_of_two_neighbors_botswana_vs_zimbabwe/

[3] “The 12 Economic Freedoms: Policies for Lasting Progress and Prosperity”. The Heritage Foundation. 2023 Index of Economic Freedom. https://www.heritage.org/index/pdf/2023/book/02_2023_IndexofEconomicFreedom_12-ECONOMIC-FREEDOMS.pdf

[4] The Heritage Foundation. 2023 Index of Economic Freedom. Country Rankings. https://www.heritage.org/index/ranking

[5] Copenhagen Consensus 2008 – Results. https://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/sites/default/files/cc08_results_final_0.pdf

[6] “Third Copenhagen Consensus: Hunger and Malnutrition Assessment, Hoddinott Rosegrant Torero”. Copenhagen Consensus Center. https://www.copenhagenconsensus.com/publication/third-copenhagen-consensus-hunger-and-malnutrition-assessment-hoddinott-rosegrant

The Class Struggle of Longevity – Article by Luis Arroyo

April 15, 2023 Luis Arroyo Comments 1 comment

Luis Arroyo

Editor’s Note: The United States Transhumanist Party publishes this call to action by long-standing member Luis Arroyo. Mr. Arroyo is an active and passionate voice in the USTP Discord server, advocating consistently for the needs and interests of the working class. He often argues that if we are looking to solve aging and death, we would get more bang for our buck by focusing on the neediest, as interventions such as better housing and nutrition could save many more lives – the core essence of Transhumanism.

~ Zach Richardson, Director of Publication, United States Transhumanist Party, April 15, 2023

When observing present society, an undeniable feature is inequality. This feature, stemming from the very core of Capitalism flows through many sectors of life and society. Showcasing itself within horrid and needless realities such as the amount of food produced [1] and the 25,000 people who die per day due to hunger [2], the number of vacant homes [3], and the number of homeless people [4], or the one billion people without shoes while civilization produces enough to give three pairs to every human being [5]. Disparities of such sorts exist everywhere within society and are inevitable with the emergence of new industries and fields. Longevity-related industries and fields are no exception.

Nothing is preventing great disparities from emerging within longevity fields, serving only to deepen dystopian conditions represented best by the differences in life expectancy of the “haves and have-nots”. This void of impending regulation and overall guarantee of a market approach allows those like the Chairman of the United States Transhumanist Party, a prominent political party within the Transhumanist community, to state, “Naturally, the first few customers of these treatments are going to be people who can afford them, i.e., the wealthy. However, this initial stage is quite necessary for the technology to develop and eventually diffuse to the rest of the population. The wealthy individuals who are trying out the technologies at first are actually taking on a rather extraordinary level of risk” [6]. This highlights that nothing escapes the grasp of inequality if left to the market even to the advocates of such a system.

The subsequent implication of this is the wealthy will soon be able to “buy time” through early accessibility to expensive longevity treatments, leaving the rest of the masses to be killed by their deadliest foe, aging, which already takes 100,000 people per day [7] with sights of increasing as populations age evermore. Transhumanists and their allies, in realizing this impending disparity, should work to combat the mechanisms and roots of inequality in an effort to see longevity treatments offered to all people no matter their income levels, race, gender, location, etc.

Unfortunately, with the timeframe presented by none other than Jeff Bezos’s Altos Labs – more specifically, Juan Carlos Izpisua, who stated, “I am convinced that within two decades we will have tools that not only treat symptoms, but also can predict, prevent and treat diseases and aging through cellular rejuvenation” [8]. The possibility of having a “gods & the useless” situation between the Capitalist class and the Working class in less than 25 years is no longer far-fetched.

The forthcoming situation is seen as a miracle to some, albeit, when looked through a rose-colored lens; however for most it’s the beginning of a type of society not experienced by any other humans in history, signified by a couple of handfuls or so of wealthy and powerful individuals receiving longevity treatments and thus living on whilst the majority die out in droves – a future that must be rejected and worked against by all Transhumanists!

[1] Holt-Giménez, Eric & Shattuck, Annie & Altieri, Miguel & Herren, Hans & Gliessman, Steve. (2012). We Already Grow Enough Food for 10 Billion People … and Still Can’t End Hunger. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture – J SUSTAINABLE AGR. 36. 595-598. 10.1080/10440046.2012.695331. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/241746569_We_Already_Grow_Enough_Food_for_10_Billion_People_and_Still_Can%27t_End_Hunger

[2] John Holmes. “Losing 25,000 to Hunger Every Day”. United Nations. UN Chronicle. https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/losing-25000-hunger-every-day#:~:text=Each%20day%2C%2025%2C000%20people%2C%20including,million%20into%20poverty%20and%20hunger. Excerpt: “Each day, 25,000 people, including more than 10,000 children, die from hunger and related causes. Some 854 million people worldwide are estimated to be undernourished, and high food prices may drive another 100 million into poverty and hunger.”

[3] Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. “Housing Inventory Estimate: Vacant Housing Units in the United States”. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/EVACANTUSQ176N

[4] National Alliance to End Homelessness. “State of Homelessness: 2022 Edition”. https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/state-of-homelessness-2021/

[5] The Tricontinental. “Solely Because of the Increasing Disorder: The Thirty-Sixth Newsletter (2021)”. https://thetricontinental.org/newsletterissue/36-poverty/

[6] Gennady Stolyarov II. “Life Extension Will Not Create an Immortal Wealthy Elite”. Immortalists Magazine, Issue 2. February 2020. https://www.flipsnack.com/BDEAACF6AED/im-feb-2020/full-view.html

[7] Aubrey D.N.J. de Grey. “Life Span Extension Research and Public Debate: Societal Considerations”. 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20161013163622/http://www.sens.org/files/pdf/ENHANCE-PP.pdf

[8] Manuel Ansede. “Juan Carlos Izpisua: ‘Within two decades, we will be able to prevent diseases and aging’”. El Pais. March 8, 2022. https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2022-03-08/juan-carlos-izpisua-within-two-decades-we-will-be-able-to-prevent-aging.html

U.S. Transhumanist Party Call for 2024 Presidential Candidates and Outline of 2023 Endorsement and Primary Process

April 9, 2023 Gennady Stolyarov II Comments 0 Comment

Gennady Stolyarov II

The United States Transhumanist Party (USTP) issues its call for candidates wishing to run for President of the United States in the 2024 election and seeking an endorsement from the USTP. Candidates are encouraged to officially announce their intentions via this form and then spread awareness of the USTP, its forthcoming debate and primary process, and possibilities for individuals to sign up for free membership in the USTP in time to participate as voters in this process.

Because of the formidable hurdles to political-party ballot access on the State level, the candidates seeking the USTP’s endorsement would need to officially run as independent candidates. However, if those candidates qualify for inclusion on their States’ ballots, then, in approximately half of the jurisdictions in the United States, it would be possible to use a “political party designation” of “Transhumanist Party” to accompany the candidate’s name on the ballot.

Endorsement and Electronic Primary Process – Anticipated Timeline

The following timeline is approximate and subject to change as circumstances may necessitate. However, it is intended to provide an overarching impression of the sequence and desirable speed of steps for reaching an endorsement of a candidate for President of the United States.

– April 9 – May 1, 2023: Candidates declare their intention to seek the USTP Presidential endorsement and begin to campaign through channels of their choosing (online and/or in person) to attract supporters and spread awareness of their messages.

– May 6, 2023: Transhumanist Presidential Candidate Roundtable (Virtual) [Multiple Candidate Roundtables are possible depending on the number of candidates who declare their interest.]

– May 15 – June 15, 2023 [Specific days to be decided based on the number of candidates who declare their interest]: Electronic ranked-preference primary (7-day voting period, simultaneous for all USTP members).

– June 15-30, 2023: Votes from the electronic primary are tabulated and released. The candidate winning the USTP endorsement is announced simultaneously with the release of the results.

– July 1, 2023 – November 5, 2024: The candidate winning the USTP endorsement continues to campaign until Election Day 2024. The other candidates may seek the USTP’s endorsement for other federal, state, or local offices and/or assist the winning candidate.

– Early September 2023: Potential for the candidate winning the USTP endorsement to deliver an official acceptance speech in a venue with a large number of attendees.

U.S. Presidential Candidate Qualifications and Expectations

Qualifications Pursuant to the United States Constitution

Pursuant to Article 2, Section 1, of the United States Constitution, to be eligible to become President of the United States, the candidate must:

(1) Be at least 35 years old as of January 20, 2025 (i.e., born on or before January 20, 1990);

(2) Be a natural-born citizen of the United States; and

(3) Have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years.

The USTP considers the existence of the above restrictions unfortunate, as they could disqualify many otherwise fine candidates. However, in the absence of a Constitutional Amendment, they are insurmountable during the 2024 election season.

Qualifications Pursuant to the Constitution of the United States Transhumanist Party

Pursuant to Article VII, Section 1, of the Constitution of the United States Transhumanist Party, in order to be eligible to become endorsed by the United States Transhumanist Party as a candidate for any local, state, or federal political office, an individual must satisfy the following criteria.

(i) The individual satisfies the minimum qualifications pursuant to applicable law for holding the office for which the individual seeks to run.

(ii) The individual has never committed any violent crime. A violent crime includes physical injury or destruction inflicted upon any person. A violent crime also includes physical damage or destruction inflicted upon property. As used in this subsection, the term “violent crime” includes but is not necessarily limited to the following: murder, manslaughter, rape, human trafficking, domestic violence, robbery, assault, battery, looting, arson, and rioting.

(iii) The individual has never committed any financial crime which had any victim, including but not limited to fraud, embezzlement, theft, cybercrime, or financing of violent or criminal groups.

(iv) The individual has never engaged in documented acts of cyberbullying, cyber-harassment, or intentional spreading of false accusations against another individual online.

(v) The individual has never engaged in acts understood to be of a highly unacceptable nature within every contemporary agricultural, industrial, or post-industrial society. The Officers of the United States Transhumanist Party shall maintain an internal list identifying such highly unacceptable practices, engaging in which or advocating which would be considered an automatic disqualification for holding any office within or receiving any endorsement from the United States Transhumanist Party.

(vi) The individual has never engaged in acts which are understood by the Officers of the United States Transhumanist Party to have been undertaken by that individual primarily for the purposes of generating shock value or for transgression for the sake of transgression.

(vii) The individual must agree to participate in any process designated by the Officers of the United States Transhumanist Party for the determination of whether or not that individual may be endorsed as a candidate and to respect the outcome of that process, no matter whether or not that individual is ultimately endorsed as a candidate.

(viii) The individual must agree to work collaboratively with the United States Transhumanist Party during the campaign season and not to disparage the United States Transhumanist Party as well as not to work contrary to the interests and goals of the United States Transhumanist Party during that time.

(ix) The individual must never have disparaged the United States Transhumanist Party or any of its current Officers in good standing within any written publication or public video or audio recording. This criterion does not, however, preclude constructive criticism, and a reasonable-person test shall be used to differentiate constructive criticism from disparagement.

(x) The individual must commit to running for office as a candidate endorsed by the United States Transhumanist Party until the conclusion of the election in which the individual seeks to be a candidate.

(xi) The individual must have never reneged on a prior commitment to run for office as a candidate endorsed by the United States Transhumanist Party until the conclusion of the election in which the individual sought to be a candidate.

(xii) The individual must never have falsely alleged any electoral malfeasance on the part of the United States Transhumanist Party.

(xiii) The individual must never have undertaken or threatened to undertake any legal action or make any formal complaint to an external entity against the United States Transhumanist Party or any Officer thereof in good standing.

(xiv) The individual must express agreement with the Core Ideals of the United States Transhumanist Party as described in Article I, Section I, of this Constitution.

(xv) The policy positions of the individual should have significant areas of alignment with the United States Transhumanist Party Platform as described in Article VI of this Constitution.

(xvi) The individual must agree, in that individual’s public statements, to either (a) specifically and openly express support for transhumanism and/or life extension; or (b) specifically and openly reference the endorsement of that individual by the United States Transhumanist Party.

Expectations of the Candidate from the U.S. Transhumanist Party / Transhuman Party

(a) If officially endorsed, the candidate must commit to running for office until Election Day 2024 (November 5, 2024). During the time prior to Election Day 2024, the candidate shall not concede to or endorse another candidate from another political party. The candidate also shall not run on behalf of any other political party.

(b) Although the candidate is not obligated to either raise or spend funds, if the candidate does choose to fundraise, the candidate must agree to perform any such fundraising for the candidate’s campaign independently of the U.S. Transhumanist Party. Furthermore, any campaign committee and/or bank account established by or on behalf of the candidate must be organizationally separate from the USTP. The USTP will spread information and raise public awareness about the candidate, but the USTP would not collect or disburse funds directly. The candidate must also agree to independently comply with all campaign-finance laws and report campaign contributions and expenses in the manner required pursuant to all applicable state and federal laws. The candidate must agree that responsibility for such compliance is solely on the part of the candidate, and that, as an organization which does not finance campaigns, the USTP has no obligation nor legal liability in regard to such compliance. (The USTP may, however, at times assist the candidate by providing relevant information, as long as such assistance is understood to be non-obligatory in nature.)

(c) If officially endorsed, and if the candidate raises $5,000 or more in contributions or incurs $5,000 or more in expenditures, the candidate must agree to register as an independent candidate for President with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Guidance pertaining to this process can be found on the FEC website here or in video form here. However, nothing obligates the candidate to either raise or spend $5,000 or more; any fundraising is at the candidate’s discretion.

(d) The candidate must agree to participate in the USTP Endorsement and Electronic Primary process as set forth herein and to respect the outcome of that process, no matter whether or not the candidate is ultimately endorsed to run for the office of President of the United States.

(e) The candidate should be in agreement with the USTP Core Ideals:

Ideal 1. The Transhumanist Party supports significant life extension achieved through the progress of science and technology.

Ideal 2. The Transhumanist Party supports a cultural, societal, and political atmosphere informed and animated by reason, science, and secular values.

Ideal 3. The Transhumanist Party supports efforts to use science, technology, and rational discourse to reduce and eliminate various existential risks to the human species.

(f) The candidate should have significant areas of alignment with the USTP Platform. While complete agreement with all positions therein is not required, and diversity of perspectives is encouraged, it should be possible for the public to clearly perceive the candidate as being closer to the USTP Platform than any given non-USTP-endorsed candidate – for instance, a Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, or Green candidate – would be.

(g) The candidate must agree to work collaboratively with the USTP during the campaign season and not to disparage the USTP as well as not to work contrary to the interests and goals of the USTP during that time.

For any questions, please e-mail Gennady Stolyarov II, Chairman of the USTP, here.

You can also complete the embedded form below to express your interest in becoming a U.S. Presidential candidate who would participate in the USTP Endorsement and Electronic Primary Process:

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Universal Sign Language – Transhuman / Transhumanism / Transhumanist – Post by Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.

March 23, 2023 Art Ramon Garcia, Jr. Comments 0 Comment

Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.

USL-Transhuman / Transhumanism / Transhumanist

Before I joined as Director of Visual Art, back in November 2015, I created the sign for Transhuman/Transhumanism/Transhumanist.

After reading an article on Queen Silvia of Sweden and learning of her use and promotion of Swedish Sign Language, I contacted her via an email form on the official Swedish Monarchy profile, suggesting to her that she implement a Universal Sign Language program that crowdsourced the best signs by upvoting, while leveraging the site https://www.spreadthesign.com/ to be its main repository. I also suggested that Universal Sign Language be taught to all Swedish children and that she work to promote its worldwide use.

While many in the Deaf community did not appreciate my suggestions, I continue to remind the Deaf community that advancing technology will only make the signing community smaller to the point of extinction.

Promoting a worldwide Universal Sign Language ensures the signing community does not deplete to unsustainable levels and that future-enhanced humans have a universal fall-back language in case of technological failure of a high-bandwidth Universal Thought Language that does not use verbal or written forms.

Art Ramon Garcia, Jr., is the Vice-Chairman of the U.S. Transhumanist Party during March – June 2023 and the USTP Director of Visual Art. Read more about him here.

The Anti-Aging Manifesto by Mat Alex Richards

March 18, 2023 Mat Alex Richards Comments 0 Comment

Mat Alex Richards

Editor’s Note: The United States Transhumanist Party publishes this manifesto by Mat Alex Richards as a statement which is aligned with our Core Ideal 1, which holds that “The Transhumanist Party supports significant life extension achieved through the progress of science and technology.” Mr. Richards eloquently emphasizes the imperative to combat biological aging and prevent our own non-existence, instead achieving lives of open-ended duration and potential.

~ Gennady Stolyarov II, Chairman, United States Transhumanist Party, March 18, 2023

We must demand a total mobilization of humanity for the extension of healthy life:

Declare biology as a priority science. Train biologists en masse, build laboratories, declare war on death, make lots of people aware of that – as many people as possible.

I am; that’s enough for me. I am, I want to continue to be, to be as I am, better than I am if possible.

Aging and death are abominable. And we accept it. Denying it won’t solve this essential matter. We think of something else. We fight. We eat, we work, we love, we hate, we philosophize, we hope to leave a name in the dictionary for some, we adorn our minds.

We lie to each other. We lie to ourselves.

The truth is this: any life that knows it must end is just an agony.

We have consciousness. We know that no longer being, when one was, is the worst thing, the only real curse.

We could only observe, and submit. We had no way to act on the duration of our existence. For millennia.

We followed along the scientific grind, without this question having more importance than thousands of others; whereas it is the question, the only essential one, the one on which all the others depend.

There is no doubt that humanity will come to know the vital mechanisms well enough to suppress aging, that is to say, to prolong life, and even, theoretically – I mean barring accidents – to prolong it indefinitely.

The objections, who cares. We’ll see when we get there. The stakes are enormous for me, for you, for your loved ones, for everybody. No delay… No putting off.

It is impermissible, given the change, to let it pass.

Life is too short compared to what humans can do. Aim high. What has a limit, a predictable limit, is always too short. When one is existing, it is too stupid not to exist one day. Too stupid, that’s it.

Today, all that can change.

All of this needs to change and will change.

The question is: Do you want to be in the game?

Do you want to be in the most important human adventure ever?

Do you want to participate and make it happen faster?

The goal is to remain alive and healthy as much as we want.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Makiko Yoshioka – June 5, 2022

February 7, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Makiko Yoshioka
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
Jason Geringer
Ben Ballweg
Jose Cordeiro
Didier Coeurnelle

On June 5, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Makiko Yoshioka to discuss her research on the health and legal impacts of transhumanism. She provided a comparative analysis of the situations in regard to the influence of transhumanism on the health and legal realms in Japan and the European Union. She especially offered insights on transhumanism’s reception in Japan, where robotics have been warmly welcomed, while there has been more apprehension about merging with technology.

Makiko Yoshioka is a graduate student at Paris 8 University, specializing in health law with a focus on digital and AI systems. She provided an overview of her research in these areas and discussed potential future directions for that research.

She plans to analyze how transhumanism is going to develop in the field of health care, including how to protect human rights. She will compare and contrast the prospects in Japan and France (and the European Union more generally) for technological advances such as exoskeletons, humanoid robots, and nanorobots. Some additional topics will be: (1) procreation and longevity; (2) how medical treatment for heavy sicknesses such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases will influence human rights and civil law (such as contract law) and the medical responsibility of doctors and other healthcare workers; and (3) how the position of the “human” will be influenced and modified by relations among transhumanists, “classic humans”, and humanoid robot beings.

In 2022 Makiko Yoshioka had also begun working for Heales – The Healthy Life Extension Society.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Mark Hamalainen – June 12, 2022

February 6, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Mark Hamalainen
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
David Shumaker
Jason Geringer
Ben Ballweg
Jose Cordeiro

On June 12, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Mark Hamalainen to discuss the newly formed LessDeath organization and its inaugural Longevity Summer Camp, happening during July 20-24, 2022, in Nevada City, California.

Mark explained his background in the longevity field, and how the shift of the bottleneck from money to talent prompted him to change his focus from doing the science himself to motivating others to pursue it.

Mark Hamalainen is the Founder of LessDeath and former Director of Science at Synthego. He studied Biology at University of Cambridge, where he received a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree.

References

LessDeath website.

“LessDeath Presents the Longevity Summer Camp” – Article on spannr.

LessDeath LinkedIn Page.

LessDeath Twitter Account.

***

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Sharif Uddin Ahmed Rana – June 19, 2022

February 6, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Sharif Uddin Ahmed Rana
Gennady Stolyarov II
David Shumaker
Jason Geringer
Ben Ballweg

On June 19, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party spoke with Sharif Uddin Ahmed Rana regarding his initiatives with the World Talent Economy Forum and his efforts to reach numerous talented minds throughout the developing world and enable them to work on advancing emerging technologies and implementing policies that are aligned with the goals of the U.S. Transhumanist Party.

Sharif Uddin Ahmed Rana is the founder of the World Talent Economy Forum and the Director of Foreign Relations for the U.S. Transhumanist Party. Read more about him.

World Talent Economy Forum.

World Talent Economy Forum YouTube channel.

Advances in Nikola Tesla Technologies in the 21st Century – World Talent Economy Forum Conference.

World Talent Economy Forum Debate on Artificial Intelligence – December 24, 2021

World Talent Economy Forum Debate on Space Colonization – December 31, 2021

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Kai Micah Mills – June 26, 2022

February 6, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Kai Micah Mills
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
Charlie Kam
David Shumaker
Ben Ballweg
Jason Geringer
Dr. Jose Cordeiro

On June 26, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Kai Micah Mills to discuss Cryopets, his early-stage startup developing whole-body cryopreservation for mammals, as well as his more general thoughts on the potential for advancements in the field of cryonics and the kinds of efforts that will be needed to accelerate the spread of cryopreservation as an available and widely sought-after option.

Kai Micah Mills is the Founder and CEO of Cryopets and a serial entrepreneur and angel investor.

Website of Kai Micah Mills.

Website of Cryopets.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

Transhuman Club Launch – U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon – July 3, 2022

February 6, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
Jason Geringer
David Shumaker
Anthony Nielsen

On July 3, 2022, this special Virtual Enlightenment Salon introduced the website of the Transhuman Club – the non-political affiliate organization of the U.S. Transhumanist Party.

The Transhuman Club website includes embedded Virtual Enlightenment Salon videos, a forum, a member education section, member login functionality and member-only features, as well as transhumanist-themed art and animations throughout.

USTP Legislative Director Jason Geringer designed the Transhuman Club website, and he provided a walkthrough that demonstrated its key features.

All members of the United States Transhumanist Party receive automatic, free membership in the Transhuman Club. However, anyone who joins the Transhuman Club directly may choose or not choose to be a member of the United States Transhumanist Party. The Transhuman Club website is intended to be a hub of member collaboration, networking, and elevated enjoyment in a refined futuristic setting. We aim to educate, motivate, and entertain. Welcome to the club!

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

Debate: Should US/NATO Support Immediate Negotiated Peace in Ukraine? – Nathan Boyd & Maty Aksenton – July 10, 2022

February 2, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Nathan Boyd
Maty Aksenton
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
Jason Geringer

On July 10, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party presented a debate on how to best resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The key question debated was “Should the United States and NATO support an immediate negotiated peace settlement in Ukraine (even if it means that Ukraine would need to concede territory to Russia and/or promise never to join NATO)?”

Nathan Boyd argued in favor of this proposition, while Maty Aksenton argued against it. Some of the debate addressed the existential risk arising from the conflict in Ukraine. The judges, Jason Geringer and Art Ramon Garcia, raised considerations that included the implications of a potential Republican majority in Congress in November 2022, as well as how the dynamic would change if Ukraine acquired nuclear weapons.

Nathan Boyd earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a 3.98 GPA and was Laboratory Coordinator/Manager for the Science Department at Birmingham Southern College for 11.5 years after getting his degree. He also holds Chemical Engineering, Math, and Pre-Med Associate’s Degrees.

Maty Aksenton is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Multidisciplinary Studies from the Departments of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

As with all USTP Virtual Enlightenment Salons, the foremost goal is for this to be a learning experience that helps improve the participants’ and audience’s understanding of effective solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing humankind. Thus, this broader educational purpose was emphasized to a greater extent than winning.

For a more in-depth discussion of the existential-risk implications of the war in Ukraine, watch the Virtual Enlightenment Salon on “2022: The Year of the Great Filter” – the essay by USTP Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

Transhumanist Party / World Talent Economy Forum Debates: AI and Space Colonization – December 24 and 31, 2021

February 2, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Sharif Uddin Ahmed Rana
David Smith
Donald Steiny
Marshall Mermell
Rob Enderle
Tom Ross
Paul Beckwith
Gennady Stolyarov II

The U.S. Transhumanist Party presented this special Virtual Enlightenment Salon as a collaboration with the World Talent Economy Forum, whose host, Sharif Uddin Ahmed Rana, moderated two debates in the Asian Parliamentary format on artificial intelligence and space colonization on December 24 and 31, 2021. Here we provided key portions of both debates in sequence to give our viewers a glimpse into these unique and thoughtful intellectual exchanges.

First Debate – Artificial Intelligence – December 24, 2021

Resolution: “This House believes that humanity should fear advances in artificial intelligence”.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II served as the leader of the Opposition to the motion; it was as if the Transhumanist Party were the leading opposition party in a parliamentary system and had the occasion to rebut the Prime Minister’s (Rob Enderle’s) case for fearing AI. The “government” side was represented by Rob Enderle, Donald Steiny, and Marshall Mermell. The “opposition” side (those who disagreed with fearing AI) was represented by Gennady Stolyarov II, David Smith, and Tom Ross (USTP Director of Sentient Rights Advocacy). At the conclusion of the debate, analysis of the issues was provided by Professor Paul Beckwith.

Second Debate – Space Colonization – December 31, 2021

Resolution: “This House believes that humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets.”

Since its performance at the previous debate on artificial intelligence, the Transhumanist Party was able to make its way from the opposition to the government and presented a staunchly pro-space-colonization policy agenda, defending the motion, “Humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets”. Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II made the opening argument for the motion, in the role of the Honorable Prime Minister, with Andreas Melhede and Professor Paul Beckwith providing supporting arguments in subsequent speeches. On the side of the opposition were Rob Enderle, Donald Steiny, and Marshall Mermell. After the debate, the participants received feedback from the esteemed Jordanian politician Dr. Taleb Rifai, the previous Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (you want to hear what he has to say!) as well as from the USTP’s Director of Applied Innovation, David Shumaker.

Watch the U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Sharif Uddin Ahmed Rana, streamed on June 19, 2022.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

The First 3 Transhumanist Party Enlightenment Salons – Highlights (2017-2018)

February 2, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Gennady Stolyarov II
Bill Andrews
Bobby Ridge
Scott Jurgens
Mihoko Sekido

Step back in time to the early Enlightenment Salons of the U.S. Transhumanist Party, originally hosted in person by Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II. This stream combines the majority of the first three Enlightenment Salons, discussing subjects such as prosthetics, brain-computer interfaces, life extension, transhumanist advocacy, artificial intelligence, health, fitness, and more.

First Enlightenment Salon – September 17, 2017

Gennady Stolyarov II, Bobby Ridge, Scott Jurgens

U.S. Transhumanist Party Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II spoke with Bobby Ridge and Scott Jurgens regarding their areas of interest in research and study. Topics addressed include emerging advances in prosthetics, orthotics, 3D printing, 3D scanning, the science behind neuroplasticity, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), artificial intelligence, and the societal implications of these technologies – including the extent to which they, combined with a universal basic income, may facilitate increased self-actualization by more people.

Second Enlightenment Salon – November 11, 2017

Gennady Stolyarov II, Bill Andrews, Bobby Ridge, Scott Jurgens

U.S. Transhumanist Party Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II invited Dr. Bill Andrews (the U.S. Transhumanist Party’s Biotechnology Advisor), Bobby Ridge, and Scott Jurgens to his Second Enlightenment Salon, where they shared their thoughts on emerging life-extension research, advances in prosthetics and orthotics, philosophy of science, brain-computer interfaces, and how technologies from a variety of fields are converging to bring about a paradigm shift in the human condition – hopefully within the coming decades.

Third Enlightenment Salon – May 27, 2018

Gennady Stolyarov II, Bill Andrews, Bobby Ridge, Mihoko Sekido

The Third Enlightenment Salon featured excellent conversations on the rise in public awareness of transhumanism and life extension and what can be done to further increase support for life-extending medical research. Dr. Bill Andrews, Bobby Ridge, and Mihoko Sekido shared insights on medical science, promotion of health, and methods of communicating the forthcoming convergence of advances in a wide array of technological fields. Importantly, they addressed how anyone can get involved in the transhumanist movement and improve public acceptance of the emerging technological future.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Fred Zhang of LongevityDAO – July 31, 2022

February 2, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Fred Zhang, PhD
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
Jason Geringer
Jose Cordeiro, PhD, MBA
Bill Andrews, PhD

On July 31, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Fred Zhang, the founder of LongevityDAO, to discuss his team’s efforts in promoting organizations focused on longevity and transhumanism.

LongevityDAO is a decentralized autonomous organization that uses crypto mechanisms to support longevity, one organization at a time. Its first campaign is for Tomorrow Biostasis, a European cryopreservation service. Its next campaign is for Lifespan.io, the Life Extension Advocacy Foundation, which is an allied organization to the USTP. Find out more about LongevityDAO.

Fred Zhang graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a PhD in Economics. He is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Freedom Equity Properties and co-founder of PrepScholar and the Medical Funding and Longevity Web3 Company.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Enlightenment Salon on CureDAO: Lukas Vogel, Andreas Melhede, Mike P. Sinn – August 7, 2022

February 2, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Lukas Sebastian Vogel
Andreas Melhede
Mike P. Sinn
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
Jason Geringer

On August 7, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Lukas Sebastian Vogel, Andreas Melhede, and Mike P. Sinn to discuss CureDAO, their open-source platform that monetizes user data to show how millions of factors like foods, drugs, and supplements affect human health. The prior 10 years saw an explosion in the amount of health data and innovation, promising to revolutionize human health and well-being. However, they produced no measurable gains in disease cost reduction or human lifespan extension. CureDAO hopes to change this using an open-source framework in which anyone could become involved.

Visit the website of CureDAO.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Enlightenment Salon with James Strole – Pursuing Immortality – August 14, 2022

February 2, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

James Strole
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
Jason Geringer
Edward Hudgins, PhD
Bill Andrews, PhD

On August 14, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited James Strole, the Executive Director of the Coalition for Radical Life Extension and organizer of the RAAD Festival (RAADfest) for a conversation about how one can find the inner strength to support radical life extension and wage the war against aging and death during the challenging times in which we live. He and the panel shared what brought them to the fight, and what motivates them to continue.

James Strole is the Executive Director of the Coalition for Radical Life Extension, which is the producer of RAADfest, the largest global event of its kind. James is also the Co-Founder and Co-Director of People Unlimited, an organization that supports people interested in unlimited lifespans. Co-author of the book “Just Getting Started: Fifty Years of Living Forever”, James is a visionary anti-death activist and community builder who has spoken and written on radical life extension and physical immortality for over four decades. He has dedicated his life to challenging death-oriented beliefs and practices, and has coached thousands of people in living an ageless lifestyle to achieve healthier, fuller, more vibrant lives. He has appeared on numerous TV shows both domestically and abroad, and has spoken to audiences on four continents.

RAADfest 2022 was held in San Diego, California, on October 6-9, 2022. Visit the RAADfest 2022 website.

As in every year since the inception of RAADfest in 2016, the U.S. Transhumanist Party was again represented there. View the announcement of this from the U.S. Transhumanist Party.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

“Break the Rules” / U.S. Transhumanist Party Discussion on Artificial Intelligence & Transhumanism – July 1, 2022

February 2, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Lev Polyakov
Chris Bartlett
Paul Town
Gennady Stolyarov II
Zach Richardson

This special joint stream on artificial intelligence and transhumanism originally aired on July 1, 2022, as part of an episode on the “Break the Rules” (BTR) show, and featured U.S. Transhumanist Party Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II, USTP Director of Publication Zach Richardson, entrepreneur and game developer Chris Bartlett, and writer Paul Town, and was hosted by Lev Polyakov of BTR. Topics addressed included recent advances in AI – such as image generation using programs such as DALL·E 2 – the future implications of AI for human creativity, transhumanism and the prospects for future merger of AI and human capabilities, a debate on life extension and the desirability thereof, the continuity of the self and the concept of I-ness, and the role of emotions and sensations as signaling mechanisms about the state of one’s life.

Join the Transhuman Club.

Find Chris Bartlett on Twitter.

Find Zach Richardson on Facebook.

Watch Break the Rules on YouTube.

Support Break the Rules on Patreon.

Join the Break the Rules Discord.

Lev Polyakov was a guest at the U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon of July 5, 2021.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II was the first person to be interviewed by Lev Polyakov and Jules Hamilton on Break the Rules in October 2018.

How Can I Live Forever?: What Does and Does Not Preserve the Self – Essay by Gennady Stolyarov II (2010)

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U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Jules Hamilton – August 28, 2022

January 31, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Jules Hamilton
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
Jason Geringer
Ben Ballweg

On August 28, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Jules Hamilton to discuss his thoughts on life-extension advocacy, liberty, culture, current events, and the “Break the Rules” show that Jules co-founded with Lev Polyakov. His insights stimulated an interesting discussion with the panel and audience.

Jules Hamilton is a freelance consultant, filmmaker, and model at large, as well as a licensed real-estate agent. He has been a life-extension advocate for many years and has worked as an ambassador for Lifespan.io. You can find his website at https://www.julesphamilton.com/.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Chairman Gennady Stolyarov II was the first person to be interviewed by Jules Hamilton and Lev Polyakov on Break the Rules in October 2018.

Watch Break the Rules on YouTube.

Support Break the Rules on Patreon.

Join the Break the Rules Discord.

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.

U.S. Transhumanist Party Virtual Enlightenment Salon with Mati Roy – September 4, 2022

January 31, 2023 U.S. Transhumanist Party Comments 0 Comment

Mati Roy
Gennady Stolyarov II
Art Ramon Garcia, Jr.
David Shumaker
Jose Cordeiro

On Sunday, September 4, 2022, the U.S. Transhumanist Party invited Mati Roy to discuss his thoughts on the future of cryonics and cultivating a long-termist mindset with regard to the approaches for extending one’s life. The conversation included discussions of Mati Roy’s writings from his website LessDead.com – and what it means to be “less dead”.

Worthy moments to catch include Mati explaining people’s resistance to radical life extension (RLE) (~23:00), and Mati justifying the pursuit of RLE (~1:37:00).

Join the U.S. Transhumanist Party for free, no matter where you reside.