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Small-Scale Question Sunday for January 12, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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What do people think about the idea of longevity escape velocity happening in our lifetimes? (I’m 32)

I am very bearish on this ever happening.

There are islands of longevity where people live for 100+ years very frequently, but everyone with a documented age follows the Bible’s rule that no one lives longer than 120. Bodies just don’t last, even with no sickness people aren’t going to live more than a decade or too longer than the current oldest people.

I believe it actually says 120.

You’re right, edited.

Tangent:

Let's say we get the MacGuffin that extends everyone to 130+ with ease. Does the Pope-At-The-Time allow for suicide after 120?

There are islands of longevity where people live for 100+ years very frequently

Where? The Blue Zones thing is fake. https://www.cremieux.xyz/p/the-blue-zone-distraction

Probably we could find some real ones somewhere. Monaco seems like a good candidate with a lifespan nearing 90 years old. Chinese-American women live to nearly 92 on average.

But yeah, maximum life span hasn't increased. The worldwide gains in life expectancy are just the result of a higher percentage of people reaching their genetic potential. We'll never have a life expectancy over 100 years old unless we can fix aging itself.

Fair, and I suppose probably unsurprising.