Bryan Johnson aims to establish a new faith that views “the body as divine.”
I sat down with Johnson at an event focused on longevity in Berkeley, California, in late April. We spoke on the sidelines after lunch (a standard conference meal for me; what appeared to be a compostable box of chicken and vegetables for him), and he maintained impeccable posture with a neutral expression.
Earlier that morning, Johnson, dressed in worn trainers and a seemingly expensive hoodie, addressed the audience about his concerns regarding humanity’s future. Specifically, he highlighted the risks associated with AI, describing an “event horizon,” a point at which superintelligent AI surpasses human understanding and control. His goal for attending the event was to encourage those interested in longevity to consider the implications of AI.
This concern is central to his Don’t Die mission. First, he believes humans must adopt the Don’t Die ideology. Then, we must ensure AI aligns with the goal of preserving human existence. According to Johnson, without AI, he wouldn’t be engaged in any of his efforts against aging and death. “I am convinced that we are at an existential moment as a species,” he says, reflecting on his upbringing in the Mormon faith. He emphasizes that solving aging will take decades, and humanity’s survival during that time depends on making sure AI remains aligned with human interests.
The following Q&A has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Why are you creating a new religion?
We’re in a new phase where, due to advancements in AI, we’re trying to reimagine what it means to be human. This requires imagination, creativity, and open-mindedness, which is a significant demand. Addressing this conversation as a community or lifestyle doesn’t carry enough weight or influence. Religions have historically proven to be the most effective way to organize human efforts. It’s simply a tested methodology.
How do you go about founding a new religion?
It’s a good question. If you look at historical examples, Buddha underwent a self-exploratory process to develop a framework. Muhammad had his narrative, and Jesus had an origin story. You could even argue that Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin, is akin to a modern-day religious figure who launched concepts with a white paper. Adam Smith initiated capitalism through his writings. The question remains: What constitutes a modern-day religion, and how does it persuade? It’s an open question for me. I don’t have the answers yet.
