Valeria Pride of Kriorus discusses the advancements in cryonics and transhumanism in Russia, exploring the future of human preservation and digital immortality.
The concept of immortality, long viewed as an unattainable dream, is gaining traction in Russia through the lens of transhumanism and cryonics. Valeria Pride, CEO of Kriorus, recently shared insights into this burgeoning industry, which aims to preserve human lives through advanced technologies.
Transhumanism's Vision
Transhumanism posits that humans can enhance their physical and cognitive abilities through technology. Pride, a lifelong advocate of this philosophy, believes that advancements in medicine are paving the way for longer lifespans and improved health. "We are witnessing a true revolution in psychopharmacology," she stated, highlighting the emergence of effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. She predicts that mass longevity could soon be a reality, with people living up to 120 years.
Cryonics: A Growing Industry
Kriorus has been a pioneer in Russia's cryonics sector since its inception nearly 20 years ago. The company currently preserves 106 human patients, alongside numerous animals, employing techniques developed from early seminars on life extension. The cost of cryonics services ranges from approximately 1.8 million rubles for brain preservation to 3.8 million rubles for full-body preservation, with storage included in the initial fee.
The process involves several stages, starting with cooling the body immediately after death, followed by replacing blood with cryoprotectants to prevent ice crystal formation. The body is then deep-frozen, aiming for minimal cellular damage. Despite concerns about the feasibility of reviving preserved individuals, Pride insists that future technologies could enable successful restoration.
Digital Immortality
In a significant development, Kriorus has also ventured into creating digital avatars of preserved individuals. Pride discussed the case of Igor, a notable member of the community whose brain has been preserved and transformed into an AI entity. This digital version retains aspects of Igor's personality and is being developed to interact with friends and family, serving as a bridge between life and potential revival.
Ethical Considerations
The rise of digital immortality raises ethical questions about the implications of resurrecting historical figures and the psychological readiness of society to embrace such technologies. Pride believes that everyone deserves a second chance, but acknowledges the complexities involved in this discourse. She emphasizes the need for autonomous contracts to ensure the longevity of digital avatars, protecting them from technological obsolescence.
As the cryonics industry evolves, it continues to challenge traditional perceptions of life, death, and what it means to be human. With advancements in both cryonics and AI, the future of immortality in Russia is a topic of ongoing exploration and debate.
