The benefits of going posthuman.

Being human these days can be an amazing experience. Especially when you stop behaving like one.

The idea of the “posthuman” (and its subset “transhuman”) originated in the fields of genetics, science fiction and futurology. The fundamental ideas were first discussed by J.B.S. Haldane, a British geneticist in his essay Daedalus: Science and the Future.  He foresaw that the application of advanced sciences to human biology would promote super longevity, super intelligence and super wellbeing. His predictions have begun to manifest with advancements in medicine, AI and robotics. We already have the capability to think beyond our own narrow noggins by plugging into a synergistic brain collective.

But you don’t have to wait for augmented reality or machines that read your thoughts to start behaving in a posthuman way now. First, instead of saying there’s only one “you,” try viewing the world through a diverse set of lenses, like a scientist peering through different microscopes. Recognize that you have the power to think beyond that of a singular, defined individual.  With imagination and focus, your mind can embody different identities and understand the world from multiple perspectives.

Here is a list of lenses to get you started. See what appeals to you.

1. Woman
2. Man
3. Child
4. Meyer lemon
5. Subatomic particle
6. Charli D’Amelio
7. Lava flow
8. The color vermillion

It’s also fun to mash some together: Vermillion man, subatomic maple, Japanese Charli. (Posthumanism is quite freeing.)

The key to your posthuman practice is just that: practice. Until they invent the magic pill that allows you to detach from your brain and body and inhabit the world of a muskrat or a nebula, it takes a bit of time to snap your fingers and fluidly change perspectives.  Especially when you’re in the middle of a tax audit or sitting through your son’s second grade violin concert.

You can read more about where we’re heading here:

And to motivate your imagination past your comfort zone, further inspiration:

May your posthuman experience prove to be a rewarding one!