"If the future can't be now, it should be as soon as possible." That's the creed of transhumanists, a growing geek subculture that can hardly wait for the first major academic confab about its beliefs to unfold at Stanford later this year. Also anticipated: Ray Kurzweil's next book, The Singularity Is Near. But not all transhumanists think alike. Here's a field guide to the two major types.
James Chiang. The Extropian (Transhumanis aeternis)
The Extropian (Transhumanus aeternis)
Wants to live forever in a free-market, libertarian paradise, his psyche augmented by the best technology and drugs.
Currently reading
BioMEMS: Fundamentals of Implant Microfabrication
Most recent meal
Day 9 of calorie-restricted diet: 20 grams of protein, 1 gram of carbohydrates, 600 ml of water.
Last sexual encounter
On DMA at the Extro-5 conference.
Favorite tattoo
SPINAL IMPANT GOES HERE.
Saved on his ipods
Local copy of his own genetic code.
Stored in his basement
Complete set of Reason magazine and Mondo 2000 back issues.
Biggest fears
Death, taxes.
James Chiang. The Singularitarian (Transhumanis transcendens)
The Singularitarian (Transhumanus transcendens)
Believes people will soon merge with computers and become an immortal new life-form - a "singular" event in human history.
Currently reading
Collected Stories of Vernor Vinge and The Cyborg Handbook
Most recent meal
Whatever is in the lab vending machine.
Last sexual encounter
In a Doom mod in 1996.
Favorite tattoo
EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND (KURZWEIL).
Saved on his ipods
Algorithms - lots of algorithms.
Stored in his basement
Self-evolving AI network running on 42 linked PCs.
Biggest fears
Direct sunlight, women.
START
signal : noise
After Columbia? Go to Mars.
The Hidden Agenda in Joe Lieberman's Favorite Videogames
Ultrawideband of Brothers
Arc Angel
How Antispam Software Works
Jargon Watch
London Crawling
Save $131,465 on a Start Button
Building the Nuke Wall
C-mobiles
Know Your Transhumanists
Look Under P for Paper
Air Ball
The Web Changes Everything
Wired | Tired | Expired
