The Past of the Future
A discussion at Nanowerk reminds us that thinkers have been pondering science and the realm of the possible for healthy life extension for quite some time: "In 1769, Diderot, editor of the Encyclopedie, wrote three whimsical essays known as 'D'Alembert's Dream' recounting imaginary dialogues between himself, his friend d'Alembert, a cultured lady friend, and a physician. ... It seems likely that this century will see Diderot's prescience confirmed. In the coming decades, as pharmacology, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and biotechnology converge, life spans will extend well beyond a century. Our senses will extend to perceive sights, sounds and sensations beyond our current abilities. We will remember more of our lives, with greater fidelity. We will master fatigue, arousal and attention, and give ourselves more working intelligence. We will have greater control over our emotions, and be less subject to depression, compulsion and mental illness. ... Even if enhancement therapies aren't cheap, their social benefits will generally make them cost-effective. Diderot bids d'Alembert goodnight by saying 'Give a man, I don't say immortality, but only twice his lifespan, and you'll see what'll happen.'"