I won't go gentle into that good night, if it's the last thing I do. We all want to live long and well, though different people pursue that in wildly different ways.

On one side, we have the woo-woo warriors, who reject science and embrace energy crystals. Rather, they practice alternative medicine, including acupuncture, reiki, and magical space corn.

I can sympathize with disillusionment with scientific institutions, which have a history of unfair, un-scientific prejudice. However, I still consider the scientific method itself our best method for finding truths in the physical world.

On the other side, we have the bio-hackers, who embrace science and embrace drugs. Rather, they integrate extreme, often obscure, treatments in the name of science,1 including supplemented keto diets, closely tracked exercise regimens, and rapamycin.

I can empathize with using scientific principles to try to extend your life. However, if I went on a first date and the other person mentioned their “longevity protocol (long & technical version)", I would find a purse to stuff breadsticks into and run!

  1. sometimes backed by extensive science, sometimes backed by speculation more than science ↩︎