Bryan Johnson’s Brush with Cryptocurrency
Bryan Johnson, a multimillionaire tech entrepreneur, once considered dedicating his entire life to the cryptocurrency industry. Known for his ambitious pursuit of extending human longevity, Johnson reflects on a possible alternate reality where his life was centered around digital currencies.
Born into the tech world, Johnson founded Braintree, a mobile and internet payments company in 2007. The business skyrocketed with a growth rate of 4,000% annually, eventually acquiring Venmo. In 2013, PayPal purchased Braintree for $800 million, with Johnson taking home $300 million. This windfall gave him the freedom to explore new ventures, including a budding interest in cryptocurrency. Braintree was one of the first companies to partner with Coinbase, aiming to process Bitcoin payments.
At a recent conference in Singapore, Johnson admitted, “Had I not sold Braintree, I just would have been entirely all in on crypto.” He was on the brink of immersing himself entirely in the world of digital currencies, but his focus shifted to another frontier: human longevity.
The Network School and Crypto’s Future
In Singapore, Johnson co-launched The Network School with Balaji Srinivasan, former Chief Technology Officer of Coinbase. The school is designed for tech-driven libertarian thinkers, offering a three-month program in Malaysia’s Forest City. This endeavor aligns with Srinivasan’s vision of a Network State, a community governed by open-source principles and backed by Bitcoin.
The school embodies two prevailing interests among the crypto elite: creating independent micronations and conquering aging. Johnson, while cautious about speaking for Srinivasan, appreciates the idea of fostering innovation among free-thinkers. “Innovation rarely comes from established institutions,” he says. “It comes from the outer edges.”
The concept of the Network State has gained support from influential figures such as Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, and other major players in the crypto space. This initiative reflects a shared ambition to transcend traditional societal and biological limits.
The Intersection of Longevity and Cryptocurrency
Johnson’s journey into longevity has attracted attention from the crypto community. Known for his rigorous anti-aging regimen, Johnson advocates for a lifestyle that pushes human biological boundaries. His project, Don’t Die, aims to extend life through data-driven health optimization, nutrition, and new treatments.
Crypto billionaires share a fascination with longevity, viewing aging as another challenge to be tackled. “Bitcoin fundamentally rejects inflation, and I fundamentally reject aging,” Johnson explains. Both concepts resist the inevitability of loss, whether it be wealth through inflation or life through aging.
On stage at the Network School, Johnson and Srinivasan discuss parallels between cryptocurrency and longevity. Srinivasan argues, “Bitcoin is about stopping the state from slowly draining your wealth through inflation. And ‘Don’t Die’ is about stopping the state from slowly draining your health by accepting the inevitability of aging.”
Biological Immortality: A Feasible Goal?
While the quest for biological immortality might seem like science fiction, Johnson believes it is achievable. He cites examples from nature, such as the “immortal jellyfish,” which can revert to a younger state. “Biology solved the problem,” Johnson asserts. “It just needs to be applied to humans.”
Johnson invests millions annually in his longevity efforts, employing a team of health experts. His regimen includes precise nutrition, exercise, and an emphasis on sleep. Despite some unconventional methods, like plasma transfusions from his son, Johnson maintains that the core benefits come from accessible lifestyle changes.
The Role of AI in Longevity
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in Johnson’s vision for extended life. He believes AI can accelerate the discovery of longevity treatments, although he acknowledges that current systems are not a cure-all. Johnson’s focus is on the future potential of AI, pondering its impact on human evolution.
Superintelligence, he speculates, could redefine humanity’s role in the universe. Johnson’s thought experiments challenge existing beliefs and invite a broader perspective on technological progress.
Don’t Die: A New Ideology?
Johnson’s Don’t Die initiative extends beyond personal health. Some perceive it as a burgeoning ideology akin to religious movements. The principles are straightforward: strive for individual longevity, avoid harm, and ensure the survival of humanity in the face of AI risks.
A former Mormon who lost his faith, Johnson’s pursuit of longevity is about more than health. “What do we do as a species when we give birth to superintelligence?” he asks. For Johnson, this is
