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Innovation

Prepare for the Singularity

Transhumanism is a philosophical movement that strives to move intelligent life beyond the limitations of its current human form with the use of science and technology.Here's what you need to know.
Written by Amy Kraft, Weekend Editor

Every day we are learning about new technologies and scientific breakthroughs that can reduce aging and enhance human intelligence and physical strength. And the transhumanists are ready for it.

Transhumanism is a philosophical movement that strives to move intelligent life beyond the limitations of its current human form with the use of science and technology. The movement focuses on the well-being of our species to help humans become better than they are.

Smithsonian Magazine reports:

"Enhanced humans might inject themselves with artificial, oxygen-carrying blood cells, enabling them to sprint for 15 minutes straight. They could live long enough to taste a slice of their own 250th birthday cake. Or they might abandon their bodies entirely, translating the neurons of their brain into a digital consciousness."

Transhumanists believe all of the above-mentioned possibilities will occur once humans reach the singularity, a time when science and machines will transform humanity in unthinkable ways and we will become the engineers of our own evolution.

Here's what some transhumanists do to prepare:

-Wear a cryonics necklace so paramedics know to pack their corpse in ice after they die.

-Purchase a USB key to upload their brain into a computer.

-Join Humanity+, an international organization that advocates the ethical use of technology to expand human capacities. If nothing else, I'm sure it makes for interesting conversations.

Although I will admit some of their notions seem far-fetched, I think it's important for people to start talking about the best way to use technology to enhance our future.

What do you think about the transhumanist movement or how our species will evolve?

How to Become the Engineers of Our Own Evolution   [Smithsonian Magazine]

Photo via flickr/Carolyn P. Speranza

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com

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