Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson’s relentless pursuit of immortality is the subject of a new Netflix documentary, “Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.” Johnson, 47, has embarked on a controversial and costly journey involving extreme measures like plasma transfusions, fat transfers, gene therapy, and a daily regimen of over 50 pills, all in an attempt to radically extend his lifespan.
The documentary provides a glimpse into Johnson’s “anti-aging protocol,” a multi-million dollar investment in experimental treatments pushing the boundaries of medical science. “I’m trying to be on the outermost edge of possibility for the science,” Johnson explains in the trailer, highlighting his commitment to exploring uncharted territory in the quest for longevity.
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Johnson’s primary motivation stems from a deep desire to maximize time with his son, Talmage. “I really want to have multiple lifetimes with my son,” he states, emphasizing that a century isn’t sufficient. This profound personal drive led Johnson and his son, along with Johnson’s father, to participate in a groundbreaking “multi-generational” plasma exchange, a procedure documented in the film. In this exchange, Talmage donated plasma to his father, who subsequently donated his own plasma to his aging father.
The documentary explores the ethical and scientific implications of Johnson’s radical approach. He openly shares his data and experiences online, using himself as a living experiment. However, his methods have drawn criticism and concern. “I think his rectum went viral,” one commentator quips in the trailer, referencing a previous incident. A colleague expresses worry, stating, “I’m worried for him. We just don’t know how his body’s going to react” to the intensive treatments.
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Johnson challenges the conventional acceptance of aging and death. “As a species, we accept our inevitable decay, decline, and death,” he observes. “I want to argue that the opposite is true.” He envisions a future where extended lifespans and enhanced health become the norm. “We may walk into a future where all of us live healthier and longer. I want to live with everything that I am,” Johnson proclaims.
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“Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever” premieres on Netflix on January 1st, promising a thought-provoking exploration of the potential and perils of pursuing immortality. The documentary raises fundamental questions about the limits of science, the ethics of self-experimentation, and the very nature of human existence.
