Immortality or Bust

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10/19/2020 I found this documentary to be a really accessible and empathetic depiction of one man trying to share the message of the transhumanist movement. Zoltan is a fascinating individual, whose background and achievements already made him stand out. But the sheer heart and drive in that man was truly fascinating to watch. The juxtaposition of technologies we can only dream of and a man who can barely get an RV to start was humorous at times, but ultimately really affecting. I felt inspired by Zoltan. Not necessarily because I share all of his beliefs, but because he seems to actually hold beliefs. That seems like a rare trait in some politicians. I appreciated his purity of purpose and his moxie. I recommend this film to anyone who is curious about the movement and interested in seeing a sympathetic person trying to achieve something greater than himself. Bravo to the filmmaking team and to the director for this wonderful debut. I look forward to the sequel! See more 08/26/2020 At first the subject of this documentary intrigued me for its quirky cast of characters. Then I found myself being drawn into the inner lives, the hopes and longings of this growing contingent in our society who strive to live forever. In the end, I still don't know if I believe this search for technology's answer to the question of immortality will ever truly satisfy such ambitions, but I enjoyed the questions it raises about who we are as people; a.k.a. "mere mortals.". See more 08/17/2020 A thoroughly engaging film… …about transhumanist presidential candidate, Zoltan Istvan, who drives his Immortality Bus, designed to look like a coffin, across the country to deliver his Transhumanist Bill of Rights to Washington D. C. Istvan contends that transhumanists tend not to understand how to use the media to get their message out. Something provocative, like this bus, is what will attract the attention of major media "and that attention spreads transhumanism." As a transhumanist, Istvan is aiming to defeat aging and death. As a presidential candidate, this has led to the development of the Transhumanist Party, which is dedicated to "putting science, health, and technology at the forefront of United States politics." We follow his adventure across the country, meeting a fascinating and colorful cast of characters along the way, in the form of futurists, transhumanists, techno-progressives, and biohackers, which is an underground movement that engages in DIY, experimental forms of body modification: implanting chips, magnets, and biothermal tags into their bodies, giving them enhanced interaction with their environment and technology. We meet… The venerable, one-hundred-year-old, futurist and social engineer, Jacques Fresco, who has put his energies from a very young age toward "applying the methods of science to the way we live—to the social system" with priority placed on "the wellbeing of people and the protection of the environment." Hip-hop artist, Maitreya One, promoting the strong kinship between hip-hop and transhumanism, and more than that—they are one and the same, in his estimation. We visit… One of the leading Cryonics facilities in the world, Alcor Life Extension Foundation, in Scottsdale Arizona. The transhumanist Church of Perpetual Life, which seeks to "bypass nature and accelerate technology" to bring on the possibility of perpetual life and perpetual abundance. To enable "human beings to escape the confines of nature." The Terasem Movement Foundation where people upload their mindfiles and biofiles "for future revitalization." We learn about… The convergence of gene therapies with artificial intelligence that will eventually lead to the advent of an "artificial scientist" with access to all aging research in a massive database, and with the ability to reason and make scientific discoveries, "creating new knowledge." Robotic hearts to permanently replace failing hearts. A future of artificial wombs and their potential freeing aspects for women as well as concerns about the impact on future generations of the yet unborn. Yes, this is a story of people intensely involved with technology, but it is also a story with a heart and that proverbial, "human element," as well. As a man striving for extended longevity—even physical immortality—there is a touching irony in Istvan's heartfelt talks, about a life well-lived and the meaning of his impending death, with his father who is struggling with life-threatening heart failure. We get some perspective from his wife and mother and see his two young daughters have a burial ceremony for the family cat who has died. This film makes it clear, for anyone familiar with the transhumanist movement, that Zoltan is unique among transhumanists. I can't think of any other person who is so outspoken and constantly advocating for transhumanism, IN PERSON, not merely arguing and theorizing about it online or in obscure academic settings, mostly among the already converted. Zoltan is actually interrupting his life and traveling worldwide to promote transhumanism. His passion, energy, and tenacity are the stars of this story as much as are the grand ideas and the other fine advocates for them we meet along this journey. See more Read all reviews

Immortality or Bust

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