How Much Longer Will It Take Humans to Create the Technology We Need to Live Forever?

The concept of living forever has been a subject of fascination for centuries. From the search for the elixir of life to the modern-day pursuit of digital immortality, humans have always sought to extend their lifespan beyond what is considered natural. Ryan Marshall suggests 2045 as the year when the capability to upload human consciousness to a computer might become a reality. This raises numerous questions and concerns about the possibilities and the implications of such technology.

Predictions for the Future

According to Marshall, 2045 could be the point where the technology for brain uploading, a process similar to moving the contents of your drive to a new computer, becomes feasible. While this timeline is uncertain, it does seem plausible that we will see a blend of man and machine before we fully decipher the biological complexities that allow us to maintain our bodies at a youthful state.

Moreover, the advent of machine-augmented intelligence may expedite our understanding of biological aging and help us solve related issues faster. Alternatively, those subjects who undergo the process of uploading may opt out, preferring the simplicity of copying their data to a new machine over keeping their old one running. There is also a potential concern that the machines themselves might evolve to a point where they decide to eliminate the human component before the uploading process can occur.

Is Digital Immortality Feasible for the General Public?

While the idea of living forever through a computer might seem appealing, several experts argue that it might never materialize for the general public. The reasons for this are multifaceted and profound. The
malthusian catastrophe, a scenario where the population grows exponentially until resources become insufficient, could intensify if natural death is eliminated. This overwhelming increase in population could lead to severe environmental and societal challenges.

At present, even if the technology were biologically feasible, it is likely that it would be shrouded in secrecy, accessible only to a privileged few. The risks and ethical concerns surrounding such a radical shift in human existence would necessitate strict control and regulation, ensuring that the technology remains out of the reach of the general public.

The Future is Uncertain, but the Quest Continues

While the timeline for achieving digital immortality is uncertain, the pursuit of extending human lifespan through technological means is ongoing. The best-guess informed speculation suggests that the digitalization of a human mind could be around the corner, potentially providing the means to live forever through an uploaded consciousness.

Despite these advancements, the question remains: how long will it take for this technology to become a reality, and will it be accessible to all? As we stand on the brink of such a transformation, it is crucial to consider the broader implications and the ethical obligations we have to ourselves and future generations.

Only time will tell whether the technology to live forever through digital means will become a reality. Until then, the pursuit of this ultimate goal continues, driven by the relentless quest for knowledge and the desire to extend human potential.