6 - Personal Futures

Summary

Chapter 6 proposes that, through its various investments, Alphabet is contributing to developments that could significantly extend our lifespan via biological and digital means. In doing so, the chapter first provides a very brief overview of Ray Kurzweil’s desire to live ‘forever’. Whilst acknowledging that at least some people are likely to always remain ready to die – given their desire to ascend (to heaven), egalitarian concerns, bioconservative tendencies or fear of boredom – it is posited that most people would, along with Ray Kurzweil, choose to (radically) extend their personal future if given the choice. In light of such, two approaches to managing such extended personal futures – termed the singular and sequential approach respectively – are detailed. Finally, the chapter concludes with a brief summary, and by noting that the life extension business could prove even more profitable than Alphabet’s current money-printing machine: Google advertising.