Transhumanist Wager, The by Zoltan Istvan Read Free Book Online Page A

laughter rippled out.
Langmore, the President, and many of the politicians and business leaders had
formerly studied or taught at Victoria. The university remained both a breeding
ground and a battlefield for progressive politics, demonstrations, and even new
social movements.
    “But what brings me here today is
even more urgent than the clashes we saw years ago. We are on the verge of so
much scientific change that governments and citizens can no longer deny it’s
here, they can no longer deny it's actually happening. Soon, artificial
intelligence, genetic engineering, cryonics reanimation, and a practical
sentience for our species through science will arrive. Soon, the field of
transhumanism will transport all peoples to healthier, more fulfilling lives.
And if we in America don’t lead these changes on our planet, then China,
Russia, Germany, or some other nation will. And wouldn't it be a shame to see
the United States lose its longstanding global dominance of scientific
advancement and achievement?”
    Langmore paused, looking about the
rotunda. “My fellow citizens, we are on the edge of a vast transformation of
existence—one that may hold the key to massive leaps in intellectual history,
technology, quality of life, and yes, even spirituality.”
    Fifteen meters away, Reverend
Belinas frowned.
    Langmore continued his speech, and
it remained compelling for the first two minutes. But then he downshifted,
leading everyone laboriously through the history of transhumanism and the
arcane parts of its science and technology. Although scientists were rarely
exciting public speakers, this crowd spent their lives around professional speakers
and demanded far more. Soon the President tired. The senators and governors
eyed their cell phones. Students yawned and texted one another. Others glanced
at their watches.
    Six minutes later, the impatient
Senator from New Hampshire interrupted the scientist. “Dr. Langmore, we know
all this. And we all know the current state of affairs with the transhuman
movement. There’s no question about the possibilities of some of the science,
if taken cautiously. But what we want to know is why there’s been such a recent
uptick in violence and animosity regarding the movement. Two years ago it was a
side issue. This year, it’s tearing the country apart. I haven’t seen this much
polarization since the abortion struggles thirty years ago. With 20 percent
unemployment, we don’t have money or time for polarization. We all want to know
what can be done about it. What is the right direction forward?”
    “That’s exactly right, Senator,”
said the President, speaking for the first time. “Dr. Langmore, domestic
terrorist attacks are occurring everywhere in the country, fifty million people
are unemployed, and many religious Americans believe we are quickly nearing the
biblical end of time. We want concrete answers about how to steer this ship of
modern technology and science you're carrying that's causing such heated
controversy. You're one of the leaders of the movement. Give us ideas to
consider and we'll consider them.”
    Langmore looked dubious, “With all
due respect, Mr. President, using your analogy, we can’t steer a ship that’s
never left dock. And with the way the dictatorial National Association of
Health is right now, our oppressed movement isn’t a ship, but a raft at best,
crudely put together with yarn, twigs, and a few rusty nails. We need real
policies and real funding to construct a sturdy vessel and get it sailing out
of the harbor so that people can benefit from its scientific advancements. We
need government to either support us or move out of the way. Transhuman science
is the greatest potentiality of our lifetimes. Let me repeat that: Transhuman
science is the greatest potentiality of our lifetimes.”
    “Now, take it easy, Dr. Langmore,”
the President said carefully. He leaned in on the table, towards his
microphone. “You know we can’t just order the