No to Transhumanism!

There seems to be a lot of interest even excitement about 'the gain function' humans will enjoy by embracing Transhumanism.

It seems to be awash with benefits. From enabling the blind to see again to acquiring Jason Bourne-like superpowers but is there a downside?

Yes, a big one!

The science requires a Transhuman Neural Chip (TNC) to be placed in the brain, itself a computer, that enables computational and wireless communication capabilities.

The technology is amazing: imagine all the functionality you enjoy from your mobile phone and more without the phone, charge cables and endless passwords. Launch an app by just thinking about it. But how will these two 'computers' work with each other?

We have had multiple processors on chips and conventional computers working together for years, but there is always a central controlling node in such distributed processing networks.

So in this configuration will the human brain or the chip have that control function?

The brain listens to the heart when feelings arise, the heart is the overriding compass. But already the brain can be programmed not to feel pain as a surgery alternative to anaesthetics.

What if the Transhuman Neural Chip (TNC) commands the brain to stop feeling emotions?

Who will have ethical oversight of this new technology to prevent dangerous abuse?

Maybe Bill Gates and the WHO?

And what about security? Computers can't be hacked can they?

Given these enormous risks, would anyone queue up to get the TNC implant?

There was a time in my life when my self-esteem was so low that I seriously considered making a fast buck as a guinea pig for experimental flu vaccines and to hell with the consequences.

Sadly with all the human suffering today I can imagine there will be no shortage of lost souls who want their feeling of sadness switched off. It’s enough to make you want to run the Prozac app...