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Introduction
As you will discover in this blog, transhumanism and transhumanist thought have a long history.
My first encounter with the subject goes back to the late 1960s. Like many young boys, I read a lot of DC and Marvel comics. But the thing that always troubled me was how super-heroes got their powers. Either they were aliens (Superman), Gods (Thor), unlucky (Spiderman) or an experiment (Captain America).
The one who was different was Batman. And I still recall fondly the 1960s TV series. Batman was just an extra-ordinary human being.
So that got my young mind thinking. What if you had a super-hero who was human but just a little better at everything than everyone else. And I determined that one day I would write about my enhanced-human super-hero. Until, that is someone beat me to it.
In the late 1960s, another TV programme aired, The Champions. Three people (agents of the fictional Nemesis organisation) whose plane crashes in the Himalayas are rescued by an advanced Tibetan civilisation – which civilisation no-one, amazingly, knows about.
Following their rescue they are endowed with enhanced physical and intellectual abilities. These abilities don’t quite put them into the class of super-human. But each of their abilities was just that bit better than any other human being.
But they couldn’t fly; they couldn’t run at supersonic speed, and they didn’t wear masks. I always wondered if they would live beyond the normal human lifespan, but sadly the TV series had a less than extended lifespan.
This was sort of the idea I had for my enhanced human beings, except my idea had no ancient civilisations intervening. In my story, my protagonist’s enhancement was just down to biology.
Though I was unaware at the time, The Champions TV series was my first encounter with transhumanism.
What is Transhumanism?
Transhumanism is a philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates for the transformation of the human condition through advanced technologies.
The goal is to enhance human intellectual, physical, and psychological capacities beyond natural limitations. This can involve extending life spans, improving physical and cognitive abilities, and ultimately achieving a post-human existence where humans transcend their biological nature.
The term “transhumanism” itself suggests a transitional state between the human as we know it and a future, enhanced being.
The ideas behind transhumanism are not new. They have evolved over centuries, influenced by ancient myths, Enlightenment philosophy, scientific discoveries, and modern technological advancements.
This blog explores the rich history of transhumanism, tracing its roots from ancient quests for immortality to contemporary debates about artificial intelligence and genetic enhancement.
Ancient Roots: Gilgamesh and the Quest for Immortality
The desire to transcend human limitations and achieve immortality is a theme that has existed since the dawn of civilization. One of the earliest known literary works, the “Epic of Gilgamesh,” written in ancient Mesopotamia around 2100 BCE, tells the story of King Gilgamesh’s quest for eternal life.
After the death of his friend Enkidu, Gilgamesh becomes obsessed with finding a way to escape death. His journey leads him to seek out Utnapishtim, the only human granted immortality by the gods after surviving a great flood.
Though Gilgamesh ultimately fails in his quest, the story reflects a profound human desire to overcome mortality, a central theme in transhumanist thought.
The epic suggests that the aspiration to transcend our biological limits is deeply embedded in the human psyche, forming the foundation of transhumanism long before the term was coined.
Enlightenment Thinkers and the Seeds of Transhumanist Thought
The Enlightenment, a period of intellectual ferment in 18th-century Europe, laid the groundwork for many modern ideas, including those that would later influence transhumanism.
Enlightenment thinkers like René Descartes, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant explored the nature of humanity, reason, and progress. Their emphasis on human rationality and the potential for self-improvement resonates with transhumanist ideals.
René Descartes, in particular, with his famous declaration “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”), emphasized the power of human reason.
Descartes’ dualism, the separation of mind and body, can be seen as an early precursor to transhumanist ideas about the mind’s potential independence from the biological body.
The Enlightenment’s focus on progress and human perfectibility set the stage for future discussions about enhancing and transcending human nature.
Nikolai Fedorov and Russian Cosmism: Early Transhuman Concepts
In the late 19th century, Russian philosopher Nikolai Fedorov developed ideas that would later be recognized as early transhumanist concepts.
Fedorov, a key figure in the Russian Cosmism movement, believed that humanity’s destiny was to overcome death and achieve cosmic immortality. He proposed that through scientific and technological advancement, humans could resurrect the dead and colonize space, ensuring the survival and evolution of the human species beyond Earth.
Fedorov’s ideas, though rooted in Christian eschatology, were revolutionary in their embrace of technology as a means to transcend human limitations.
His vision of a technologically enhanced humanity would later influence Soviet space exploration and the broader transhumanist movement.
The Impact of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution on Transhumanist Ideas
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, published in “On the Origin of Species” in 1859, had a profound impact on transhumanist thought. Darwin’s work demonstrated that humans, like all species, are the result of an ongoing evolutionary process. This idea opened up new possibilities for human enhancement and the deliberate direction of our own evolution.
Transhumanists took Darwin’s ideas a step further, arguing that evolution could be guided consciously through technology.
If natural selection had shaped humanity over millions of years, then intelligent design—by humans themselves—could accelerate and direct this process toward desired outcomes.
This concept of “directed evolution” became a cornerstone of transhumanist thought, emphasizing the potential to shape humanity’s future through scientific and technological means.
J.B.S. Haldane’s “Daedalus; or, Science and the Future” (1923)
British geneticist and evolutionary biologist J.B.S. Haldane was one of the first to explore the implications of advanced science and technology for the future of humanity.
In his 1923 essay “Daedalus; or, Science and the Future,” Haldane predicted a future where biological and technological advancements could dramatically alter human capabilities.
Haldane speculated about the use of ectogenesis (the growth of embryos in artificial environments) and genetic engineering to enhance human traits.
He also envisioned the possibility of extending human life spans and creating new, improved forms of life. Haldane’s work was ground-breaking in its foresight and laid the groundwork for future discussions on the ethical and social implications of human enhancement.
Julian Huxley and the Coining of “Transhumanism” (1957)
The term “transhumanism” was first coined by the British evolutionary biologist Julian Huxley in 1957. Huxley, the brother of the novelist Aldous Huxley, was a prominent thinker in his own right, known for his work in promoting evolutionary biology and his advocacy for the use of science to improve the human condition.
In his essay “Transhumanism,” Huxley described the concept as a way for humanity to transcend its limitations through the use of science and technology.
He believed that by embracing transhumanism, humans could achieve a new level of existence, one that was more intelligent, more capable, and ultimately more fulfilled. Huxley’s vision of transhumanism was both philosophical and practical, emphasizing the need for a careful, ethical approach to human enhancement.
The Cryonics Movement: Robert Ettinger and “The Prospect of Immortality” (1962)
One of the most tangible expressions of transhumanist ideas in the 20th century was the development of the cryonics movement. Cryonics is the practice of preserving individuals at low temperatures after death, with the hope that future medical technologies will be able to revive them and cure the conditions that led to their death.
Robert Ettinger, often considered the father of cryonics, popularized the concept in his 1962 book “The Prospect of Immortality.”
Ettinger argued that death was a technical problem that could eventually be solved through advances in science and technology.
His work inspired the creation of cryonics organizations, such as the Cryonics Institute and the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, which offer cryopreservation services to those seeking a chance at future revival.
FM-2030 (F.M. Esfandiary) and “Up-Wingers” (1973)
Futurist and philosopher FM-2030, born Fereidoun M. Esfandiary, was another influential figure in the development of transhumanist thought.
In the 1970s, FM-2030 promoted the idea of “Up-Wingers,” a term he used to describe those who embraced a forward-looking, optimistic view of the future. He advocated for the use of technology to overcome biological limitations, improve the human condition, and ultimately achieve immortality.
FM-2030’s work was characterized by its emphasis on the positive potential of technology and its rejection of traditional, conservative views about the future.
He believed that humanity was on the verge of a significant transformation, one that would lead to a post-human existence where people could live indefinitely, free from the constraints of biology.
The Founding of the Alcor Life Extension Foundation (1972)
The Alcor Life Extension Foundation, founded in 1972 by Fred and Linda Chamberlain, became one of the most prominent organizations in the cryonics movement.
Alcor’s mission is to preserve human bodies, or just their brains, at extremely low temperatures after death, with the hope that future advances in technology will allow for their revival and the restoration of life.
Alcor’s work has been at the forefront of cryonics and has played a significant role in bringing the ideas of life extension and human preservation to a broader audience.
The foundation has also been involved in legal and ethical debates surrounding the practice of cryonics, helping to shape the discourse on the future of human life extension.
Marvin Minsky and Artificial Intelligence in Transhumanist Thought
Marvin Minsky, a pioneering figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), made significant contributions to transhumanist thought through his work on the development of intelligent machines.
Minsky, a co-founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) AI Laboratory, believed that AI could be a crucial tool in extending and enhancing human capabilities.
Minsky’s work in AI raised important questions about the nature of intelligence, consciousness, and the potential for machines to surpass human abilities.
His ideas have had a lasting impact on transhumanism, particularly in discussions about mind uploading, cognitive enhancement, and the ethical implications of creating super-intelligent machines.
Eric Drexler and the Concept of Nanotechnology (1980s)
In the 1980s, Eric Drexler introduced the concept of molecular nanotechnology, a field that could potentially revolutionize the future of humanity.
In his 1986 book “Engines of Creation,” Drexler outlined the possibilities of nanotechnology, including the ability to manipulate matter at the molecular level, create new materials, and even repair and enhance human tissues.
Drexler’s vision of nanotechnology has become a central theme in transhumanist thought, as it offers the potential to radically improve human health, extend life spans, and even alter the human body in ways previously unimaginable.
The concept of nanotechnology has also sparked discussions about the ethical and existential risks associated with such powerful technologies.
The Rise of the Extropian Movement in the 1980s
The 1980s saw the rise of the Extropian movement, a group of thinkers and activists who embraced the principles of transhumanism and sought to promote the use of technology to enhance human life.
The Extropians, led by figures like Max More and Natasha Vita-More, advocated for a philosophy of “extropy,” which they defined as the opposite of entropy—a process of increasing order, intelligence, and vitality.
The Extropians were known for their optimistic outlook on the future and their belief in the power of technology to solve the problems facing humanity.
They promoted ideas such as life extension, cognitive enhancement, and space colonization, all of which aligned with the broader goals of transhumanism. The Extropian movement played a significant role in popularizing transhumanist ideas and laying the groundwork for future developments in the field.
Hans Moravec’s “Mind Children” (1988) and the Concept of Mind Uploading
In 1988, roboticist and computer scientist Hans Moravec published “Mind Children: The Future of Robot and Human Intelligence,” a book that explored the potential for transferring human consciousness into machines.
Moravec’s concept of mind uploading, the process of copying or transferring a human mind into a digital or robotic substrate, became a central idea in transhumanist thought.
Moravec’s work raised profound questions about the nature of consciousness, identity, and the future of humanity in a world where minds could potentially exist independently of biological bodies.
The concept of mind uploading has since become one of the most discussed and debated topics in transhumanism, with implications for the future of human evolution and the potential for achieving digital immortality.
The Founding of the World Transhumanist Association (Now Humanity+) in 1998
In 1998, philosophers Nick Bostrom and David Pearce founded the World Transhumanist Association (WTA), an organization dedicated to promoting the ethical use of technology to enhance human life.
The WTA, now known as Humanity+, became a central hub for transhumanist thought and activism, bringing together thinkers, scientists, and advocates from around the world.
Humanity+ has played a crucial role in developing and promoting the principles of transhumanism, including the use of technology to improve human health, extend life spans, and enhance cognitive abilities.
The organization has also been involved in discussions about the ethical and social implications of transhumanist technologies, helping to shape the broader discourse on the future of humanity.
Nick Bostrom’s “The Transhumanist FAQ” (1999)
Nick Bostrom, a philosopher and co-founder of the World Transhumanist Association, made significant contributions to the field of transhumanism with his 1999 publication of “The Transhumanist FAQ.”
This document provided a comprehensive overview of transhumanist ideas, including the goals of enhancing human abilities, extending life spans, and addressing existential risks.
“The Transhumanist FAQ” became an essential resource for those interested in understanding the key concepts and goals of transhumanism. Bostrom’s work has helped to clarify and articulate the movement’s core principles, making them more accessible to a broader audience and fostering greater interest in the potential of human enhancement.
Ray Kurzweil’s “The Singularity is Near” (2005) and Its Impact
Ray Kurzweil, a renowned inventor and futurist, brought transhumanism into the mainstream with his 2005 book “The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology.”
In this book, Kurzweil argued that the rapid pace of technological advancement would soon lead to a “singularity,” a point at which artificial intelligence would surpass human intelligence, leading to unprecedented changes in society and the nature of humanity.
Kurzweil’s vision of the singularity has had a profound impact on transhumanist thought, as well as on popular culture and public perceptions of the future.
His work has sparked widespread interest in the potential of AI, nanotechnology, and other advanced technologies to transform human life, and has inspired debates about the ethical and existential implications of such a future.
The NBIC Convergence: Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology, and Cognitive Science
The early 21st century has seen the convergence of four key areas of scientific and technological development: Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology, and Cognitive Science, collectively known as NBIC.
This convergence has the potential to dramatically enhance human capabilities, leading to new possibilities for life extension, cognitive enhancement, and the improvement of physical abilities.
The NBIC convergence is seen by many transhumanists as a critical step toward achieving the movement’s goals. By combining advancements in these fields, humanity could unlock new levels of intelligence, health, and longevity, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human.
The NBIC convergence also raises important ethical and societal questions, as the implications of such powerful technologies must be carefully considered.
Transhumanism in Popular Culture: Influence on Science Fiction and Media
Transhumanism has had a significant influence on popular culture, particularly in the realms of science fiction and media. Many of the ideas central to transhumanism, such as artificial intelligence, mind uploading, and genetic enhancement, have been explored in books, films, and television shows.
Works like Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot,” and the films “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix” have all delved into themes related to transhumanism. (Please note that these are Amazon affiliate links.)
These cultural representations have helped to bring transhumanist ideas to a broader audience, sparking interest and debate about the future of humanity and the potential for technology to reshape our existence.
The Development of CRISPR and Its Implications for Genetic Enhancement
One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the advent of CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology, a powerful tool for editing genes.
CRISPR has the potential to revolutionize medicine by allowing precise modifications to the human genome, opening up new possibilities for genetic enhancement and the prevention of genetic diseases.
For transhumanists, CRISPR represents a critical tool in the quest to enhance human abilities and extend life spans. The ability to modify the human genome could lead to significant improvements in health, intelligence, and physical abilities, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be human.
However, the use of CRISPR also raises important ethical questions, particularly regarding the potential for unintended consequences and the societal impact of genetic enhancement.
Recent Debates: AI Safety, Existential Risk, and the Ethics of Human Enhancement
As transhumanist ideas have gained traction, so too have debates about the ethical implications and potential risks associated with human enhancement.
One of the most pressing concerns is the safety of artificial intelligence, particularly the potential for super-intelligent AI to pose an existential threat to humanity. Researchers like Nick Bostrom and organizations like the Future of Life Institute have been at the forefront of discussions about AI safety, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the risks involved.
Other debates have focused on the ethics of human enhancement, particularly the potential for social inequality, loss of human identity, and unintended consequences.
As technologies like AI, nanotechnology, and genetic engineering continue to advance, these debates will likely become increasingly important, shaping the future of transhumanism and the broader trajectory of human evolution.
Conclusion: The Future of Transhumanism
The history of transhumanism is a rich one. Extending from ancient myths, Enlightenment philosophy, scientific discoveries, and modern technological advancements. From the epic of Gilgamesh to the cutting-edge developments in AI and genetic engineering, the desire to transcend human limitations has been a constant theme in human history.
As we move further into the 21st century, the ideas and technologies associated with transhumanism will likely play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of humanity.
While the potential benefits of human enhancement are vast, so too are the ethical and existential challenges that must be addressed. The ongoing debate about the future of transhumanism will not only determine the course of technological development but also the very nature of what it means to be human.
Whether transhumanism leads to a utopia of enhanced beings or presents unforeseen dangers, one thing is certain: the quest to transcend our biological limitations will continue to captivate and challenge us, pushing the boundaries of human potential and redefining the future of our species.
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