The Future of Cryonics: Will Freezing Humans Work?

With the rapid expansion of human settlements across the solar system and our unquenchable desire to explore the stars, the quest for methods to extend human life has become a pressing focus. One of the most radical and intriguing possibilities is cryonics, the process of freezing and potentially reviving humans. However, it may not be the only alternative; another method monitored hibernation could also potentially extend human life.

The Current State of Cryonics

At the moment, the odds of cryonics working successfully to revive someone to a healthy state right now are zero. Most cryonauts, individuals who have committed to a cryonics program, have around a 1 in a million chance of being revived successfully with future technologies that are yet to be discovered. Regardless of the actual probability, cryonics offers a better option than simply accepting death as inevitable.

A Brief History of Cryonics

Several decades ago, I dedicated a month to researching everything I could about cryonics. I delved into archived discussions, news articles, websites of operating companies like Alcor, and even corresponded with leading proponents to inquire about their methods and goals. The community was akin to the early enthusiasts of science fiction, full of passion, fervor, and occasional infighting reminiscent of early 20th-century SF fan clubs. Stories abounded of improperly preserved bodies left to rot, legal disputes, and, in a few cases, even murder charges.

The proponents and practitioners were mostly self-taught individuals with no formal degrees, pursuing advanced medical and biomedical research that respected scientists would avoid due to legal and ethical concerns. They often referred to their work as “trying to make a cow out of a hamburger patty,” an apt metaphor for the challenges they faced. Their initial experiments began with completely dead bodies, as legal restrictions prevented testing on living individuals.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

The dream of cryonics is rooted in the belief that by freezing their bodies, individuals can be revived at a future date when medical technology has advanced enough. However, the challenges are numerous. Why would a future society want to thaw and revive dead bodies from the past? Does it make sense to use valuable resources to thaw and revive bodies that were preserved due to various factors like accidents or natural disasters?

Moreover, many cryonics enthusiasts lack formal education in biology or medicine, which leads to a lack of understanding about the complex biological processes involved. They often envision a future where they can achieve eternal life and travel through space, but this ignores the ethical and social implications of bringing back individuals from the past. Would a society want to revive individuals who have no connection to their time beyond the preserved data?

The Future of Cryonics

My opinion is that the driving force in scientific research will always be to improve the health and longevity of existing people, not to revive dead bodies. Extending the healthspan and lifespans of current humans will likely take precedence. However, there will always be a minority who are driven by the goal of longevity, much like those who explore cryonics. By the time the technology becomes feasible, there may not be a significant need or desire for it.

It is possible that cryogenic sleep (cryosleep) for interstellar travel will remain a plausible concept, but whether it is the cryonics we know today or another form is uncertain. The current iteration of homo sapiens may not survive long enough to witness the full development of these technologies, as they might be interrupted by our own actions, such as environmental destruction or global conflicts.

Conclusion

The future of cryonics is shrouded in uncertainty. While it offers a fascinating glimpse into medical advancements and the human quest for immortality, the practical and ethical implications must be carefully considered. As technology evolves, the focus will likely remain on improving the health and longevity of existing individuals, rather than on reviving the dead.