Redefining Survival: Bryan Johnson's Don't Die Philosophy
Exploring the Intersection of Longevity, AI, and Personal Agency
What is your primary goal for the day?
Every day, we all unknowingly operate under the same unspoken, often unthought of, goal: survival. But what if this passive undercurrent of daily life can be brought into the limelight? This is the core tenet of Bryan’s Don’t Die philosophy.
Bryan’s Blueprint - a comprehensive longevity protocol encompassing sleep, diet, exercise, measurement, and a suite of health interventions - places survival as the foremost conscious effort. As he says himself, he aims to be the leading professional rejuvenation athlete.
As is often the case with pioneering figures, Bryan's controversial yet unwavering dedication to his Don't Die philosophy compels us to reevaluate our own lifestyles and choices in light of the new evidence and ideas he introduces. His radical approach not only challenges conventional wisdom but also invites us to ponder the potential of embracing such transformative practices in our own lives. In doing so, Bryan serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a future where longevity and quality of life are not mere aspirations but achievable realities. This journey towards redefining our relationship with life and death encourages us to question: how far are we willing to go in pursuit of our survival?
The Democratic Body
In 1776, the 13 colonies achieved a monumental insight: self-governance was far superior to being ruled by a distant monarch. Drawing inspiration from this historical understanding, Bryan proposes a revolutionary analogy for personal health and autonomy. He suggests we consider our brain as the monarch of our body, with our organs playing the roles of the colonies. In our day-to-day lives, we often relinquish all power to the brain, allowing it to dictate our actions and choices unilaterally. Given the myriad of destructive habits our brains often lead us into, this governance model frankly seems insane.
The brain, while an incredible organ, is not infallible in its decision-making. It lures us into staying up late, overindulging in unhealthy foods, shunning exercise, getting lost in the infinitude of social media, and succumbing to negative thought patterns. These actions, driven by primal urges meant to ensure the proliferation of our species, often detract from our ability to lead a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Why then do we allow the brain to maintain its autocratic rule over our bodies?
To counteract this, Bryan has pioneered a "democratic body" concept. He has become the epitome of self-quantification, earning the title of the "most measured man." By collecting and algorithmically analyzing data from each organ, he establishes a form of governance for his body that is democratic in nature. This innovative approach allows him to make decisions based on a holistic understanding of his body's needs, leading to choices that promote his well-being and happiness. The result? A life devoid of regrettable decisions, orchestrated not by a singular ruling entity but by a consensus that considers the well-being of the entire body.
But wait, did we say an algorithm is making his decisions? What does it mean when an algorithm becomes the mediator of our personal choices?
Offloading Decision Making
Take a moment and indulge me in this thought experiment:
Imagine a world where your every decision is influenced by a personal, benevolent, superintelligent Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). This AGI has the capacity to analyze an exhaustive array of data—your biometrics, emotional state, life goals, and personal preferences—to guide your choices. Under its guidance, you reach unparalleled levels of health and happiness. Would you entrust your daily decisions to such an AGI?
At first glance, the idea may provoke a mix of fascination and apprehension. The thought of surrendering control to an AI might seem daunting, raising questions about the essence of free will and the value of personal autonomy. Is the prospect of relinquishing control unsettling because it strips life of its meaning? Does the fear stem from a deeper concern over losing one's sense of agency?
However, as you more deeply reflect you may recognize that society is not too dissimilar from this scenario. Rather than a single, benevolent AGI, we find numerous corporations reaching deep into their pockets to capture our attention and shape our actions. And not for our benefit, but for theirs.
Consider the moments when you've felt most fulfilled. For many, including myself, these instances often arise from adhering to a self-imposed regimen. My own commitment to running a marathon or the discipline of this daily writing challenge brings a sense of achievement rarely found in momentary pleasures. This discipline, albeit challenging, underscores the profound satisfaction derived from structured pursuit and the realization of personal goals.
Bryan imagines this future of integrated superintelligent AGI as not merely possible but inevitable. By aligning these systems with the principles of Don’t Die, such AGI promise to create for us structure and routine leading to unimaginable happiness and satisfaction. Far from the AGI being an autocratic ruler, as it is composed of trillions of intelligent agents, it becomes the engine for true democracy. This radical departure from our current, often self-sabotaging governance of our brain, towards a more optimized decision-making system, certainly offers an intriguing vision of the future.
Reflections of Don’t Die
While I may not wholeheartedly subscribe to every tenet of Bryan's Don't Die philosophy, its core message resonates deeply. The prospect of eternal life doesn't captivate me. But the desire to live each day in my prime health? That's a goal I, and likely many others, fervently share. As for completely surrendering my decision-making to algorithms, I remain cautious, but loosening the reliance on my brain as the sole dictator I firmly stand behind. The idea of constructing a benevolent AGI, too, I find much more uncertain than Bryan sees likely.
Yet, there's undeniable wisdom in the foundations of Bryan's philosophy. It prompts us to reevaluate our often dysfunctional relationship with our minds. It encourages a more deliberate approach to our health, particularly in areas like sleep, which is frequently neglected. The emphasis on personalized data and measurement in decision-making, and the shift towards a more democratic system in governing our bodies and lives, those are ideas may substantially improve society.
Therefore, I invite you to ponder over the Don't Die philosophy. Allow its principles to challenge your existing beliefs and see if they can steer you toward a life that is not just longer, but richer in quality. This philosophy isn't just about avoiding death; it's about embracing life in its fullest form, making informed choices that enhance our well-being, and finding joy in the journey of self-improvement and discovery. In this light, Don't Die becomes more than a mantra; it transforms into a pathway to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled existence for us all.
As with everything in life-there is a balance. It would be interesting to experiment and try to find a healthy balance between offloading some decisions to the AGI and still feeling that you have made personal decisions on your health and well being.