Peter Diamandis, a futurist educated at MIT and Harvard, has dedicated much of the past twenty years to advocating for an “abundant future” driven by exponential technologies aimed at extending human life. He is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of organizations such as the XPRIZE Foundation and Singularity University. Diamandis has established strong connections with notable business figures, including Elon Musk.
His supporters are drawn to his optimistic projections and data-driven arguments, which suggest that technology has already lifted billions out of poverty and enhanced global living standards. Many also purchase his books. However, critics argue that his techno-utopian perspective overlooks increasing inequality and systemic imbalances, especially in the U.S., where the bottom 50% of households possess less than 4% of national wealth, while the top 10% holds over two-thirds.
Regardless of their views on Diamandis, many regard him as a fascinating contemporary figure. In a recent discussion with him concerning abundance and longevity, including his thoughts on Bryan Johnson — a former acquaintance attempting to reverse the aging process — insights were captured. Diamandis, who is now 63, claims to be “biologically 39.”
In a recent tweet, Diamandis mentioned the concept of “longevity escape velocity,” stressing the importance of avoiding premature death from preventable causes. He explained that current advancements in AI, computation, sensors, single-cell sequencing, and cellular medicines are revolutionizing our understanding of aging, potentially allowing humans to extend their lifespan significantly in the near future.
When questioned about access to longevity advancements, Diamandis asserted that longevity is achievable for everyone, not just the wealthy. He emphasized the importance of diet, sleep, and exercise, highlighting that these are free ways to improve and extend life. He also discussed more costly methods, such as medications and supplements, as well as advanced and, at times, expensive medical testing.
One significant area of longevity research is epigenetic reprogramming, a process Diamandis believes could eventually become affordable and accessible to the general public, despite initially being available only to those with significant financial resources.
Diamandis is actively investing in and supporting various longevity-focused companies and initiatives, such as the Healthspan XPRIZE, which aims to reverse functional aging in cognition, immune response, and muscle performance. Teams participating in this competition are required to demonstrate therapies that could make individuals in their sixties and seventies think, respond, and build muscle as effectively as they did decades younger.
Despite parting ways with Bryan Johnson, Diamandis expressed support for Johnson’s individual experimentation and endeavors in the longevity field. While Johnson has gained media attention, Diamandis is focused on a large-scale, scientifically-backed competition through the XPRIZE Foundation, which encourages a diverse range of experimental approaches.
Further insights into Diamandis’s work and relationships, such as his connection with Musk, his collaboration with Tony Robbins on a health scanning company, and his navigation through potential conflicts of interest, are available in a detailed conversation hosted on a podcast.
