Freezing to (not) death: cryonics and the quest for immortality (with Max Marty)

Dec 8, 2021 1h 34m 8 insights Episode Page ↗
Spencer Greenberg speaks with Max Marty about the science, economics, and philosophy of cryonics. They explore how cryonics works, its costs, and the motivations of those who sign up, framing it as a potential bridge to future life.
Actionable Insights

1. Initiate Cryonics Early

Start the cryonics sign-up process as soon as you are interested and able, rather than procrastinating, because the cost of life insurance increases with age and unforeseen events can make future sign-up impossible. This proactive approach ensures better chances for effective cryopreservation.

2. Fund Cryonics with Life Insurance

Secure a life insurance policy to cover the cost of cryonics, as this is a highly affordable and tax-advantaged method for most young and healthy individuals, typically costing $10-30 per month. This strategy manages the financial risk associated with unexpected death and long-term preservation.

3. Select a Stable Cryonics Provider

Choose a cryonics organization with strong incentive alignment, such as one where all board members are signed up for cryonics and funds are invested safely, to ensure the institution’s long-term commitment to its mission. This institutional stability is crucial for ensuring proper care and eventual revival over decades or centuries.

4. Customize Revival Conditions

Include specific conditions in your cryonics contract for eventual revival, such as requiring a certain number of successful revivals of similar cases or being restored to a preferred age (e.g., 30 years old). This allows you to address personal concerns about the quality of revival and the state in which you would return.

5. Prioritize Rapid Preservation Post-Death

If signed up for cryonics, ensure that rapid cooling and medical intervention occur immediately after legal death to minimize brain damage from oxygen deprivation and decay. Dying under controlled conditions with a standby team is critical for maximizing the quality of your cryopreservation.

6. Explore Cryonics as an Option

Consider cryonics as a form of “emergency medicine” to pause life when current technology cannot solve a fatal condition, with the hope of future revival when medical advancements are available. This reframes death as a reversible state rather than a permanent end.

7. Engage in Cryonics Research

Actively research cryonics by listening to educational content, joining relevant communities, and conversing with signed-up individuals to thoroughly understand the process and address any philosophical or practical concerns. This informed approach helps in making a well-considered decision.

8. Challenge Cryonics Stigma

Actively discuss your interest or decision to sign up for cryonics with others, as openly sharing your perspective helps to reduce social stigma and normalize the practice. Each person who engages in this conversation contributes to a broader cultural shift towards acceptance.