Science is delving into new realms in the battle against death, exploring the potential of preserving the human mind and personality. At the heart of these investigations lies the Connectome – a distinctive map of neural connections in the brain that hold memories, personality traits, and unique characteristics of an individual.
The concept of studying the Connectome gained traction following TedTalk by Sebastian Seung titled “I am my Connect” in 2010. Since then, scientists have made significant strides in mapping the Connectomes of various organisms, such as fruit fly larvae, and are now focusing on applying this technology to the human brain. However, the task remains daunting as the number of neural connections in the human brain equals the stars in 10,000 galaxies.
Neurobiologist Dr. Ariel Zeleznikov-Johnston, author of “The Future Loves You: How and Why We Must Cancel Death,” presents a radical perspective on preserving the mind. In his book, he explores technologies for brain preservation and creating digital replicas of individuals. One such technology involves preserving the brain’s neural connections post-mortem for potential restoration or digitization.
Research suggests a success rate of 40-50% for such methods, although it falls short of a guarantee, continuous advancements are being made. For instance, initiating brain mapping within 36 hours of death could potentially preserve a significant portion of its structure.
In his book, Zeleznikov-Johnston introduces the concept of “informational and theoretical death,” where death occurs once the Connectome cannot be restored, shifting the conventional notion of death towards a more technical understanding of data loss.
The doctor’s work has captured the attention of the scientific community and society, prompting discussions on the possibilities of existence beyond biological constraints. While some researchers remain skeptical, many acknowledge that such technologies could fundamentally alter our perceptions of life and death.
“The Future Loves You” not only showcases scientific advancements but also raises philosophical and ethical concerns about humanity’s preparedness for the challenges of a new era. These studies form the basis for debates on the feasibility of digital immortality and the role of individuals in a world where death may no longer be inevitable.