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A History of Transhumanist Thought

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1. Cultural and philosophical antecedents The human desire to acquire new capacities is as ancient as our species itself. We have always sought to expand the boundaries of our existence, be it socially, geographically, or mentally. There is a tendency in at least some individuals always to search for a way around every obstacle and limitation to human life and happiness. Ceremonial burial and pr

1. Cultural and philosophical antecedents The human desire to acquire new capacities is as ancient as our species itself. We have always sought to expand the boundaries of our existence, be it socially, geographically, or mentally. There is a tendency in at least some individuals always to search for a way around every obstacle and limitation to human life and happiness. Ceremonial burial and preserved fragments of religious writings show that prehistoric humans were disturbed by the death of loved ones. Although the belief in a hereafter was common, this did not preclude efforts to extend…

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