Is it possible to halt or even reverse the ageing process and thereby defer or eliminate death? Amos Behana explores this theme in The Architecture of Forever: Governing Life After Aging, citing breakthroughs in scientific research made possible by combining AI, biotechnology, and neurotechnology. Each is discussed in detail, as its application could lead to radically extended life expectancy. The author examines three new options - extended biological embodiment, digital branches of the self (augmented existence), and hybrid versions. This will create a legal minefield, and public opinion will be divided. Oversight is needed, with new ethical codes to manage the evolving situation. There is a fine line between slowing the aging process and a full upgrade to something else. The implications of sustaining mental function digitally are concerning. While digital continuation can preserve a mind through brain/computer interfaces (BCIs), it raises the question of what defines identity beyond biographical recall. Longer or indefinite life expectancy would pose new challenges to society, such as demographic changes, impact on the workplace, and redundancy of existing facilities. Pension funds, the healthcare industry, voting rights, and political structures would require a radical overhaul. Humanity would be redefined, requiring a major mental reset. We are not there yet, and trials are needed.

The Architecture of Forever is more than a speculative vision of the future. It comprises a road map, with three phases described, as well as a glimpse at what a future mid-sized city will look like. It envisages a more regulated, stable, and equitable society, with the emphasis on sustainability and protecting the environment. Amos Behana does not promote immortality. Instead, elective mortality can be achieved by managing the aging process, and he sketches possible scenarios. There are numerous ethical questions. What constitutes individual identity, and can it be maintained throughout the upgrading process? Will a person’s digital version develop a mind of its own, and how will society evolve if we all live longer? Other important issues include marriage, parenting, succession on biological death, voting rights, wealth accumulation, stagnation, authoritarianism, identity governance, job tenure and rotation, whether relationships can endure, and whether romance can be sustained. The impact of spiritual beliefs needs further exploration. The many technical concepts are covered in a glossary, endnotes, and references. This thought-provoking work may not find favor with all readers, but the author points out that the process is already in its formative stages, making it a landmark publication.

If humans can live for centuries, what would life look like for us? The Architecture of Forever by Amos Behana explores a future in which science and technology enable humans to better control the aging process. The author notes that fields such as AI, biotechnology, and neurotechnology could unite to make aging more manageable. These different disciplines can also change death into a process ruled by choice rather than fear. Behana shows us how real technologies such as gene editing, stem cell regeneration, and nanomedicine can make this a reality. He mentions a few fascinating fictional case studies from around the world that depict what happens when people choose or reject life-extension treatments, and how society reacts to the outcomes of each choice. Join him on this visionary journey today.

Amos Behana's The Architecture of Forever is both a thought-provoking and sobering book that advocates for proven ways to extend human life and change the meaning of death. I’m not a techie or science buff, but the ideas in this book are so compelling that I’d be missing out if I didn’t read it. I appreciated how the author used examples (such as families deciding whether to extend a loved one’s life and countries going without access to life-extending technologies) to make abstract ideas easier to understand. Behana’s emphasis on governance and equity stood out to me the most. Personally, the book made me ponder more about how well we would be able to co-exist as a species with prolonged life, and not just how long we would be able to extend human life. It certainly is a thoughtful blend of science and philosophy. If these fields interest you immensely, I suggest you read this fascinating book. You won't be disappointed.