Transhumanism extends to the enhancement of human capabilities in areas that range from sensory functions to better health, life extension and even the lure of immortality. Biologist Julian Huxley, brother of author Aldous Huxley, is widely considered to be the originator of the movement in the 1950s, since when it has evolved steadily. Currently occupying a fringe position in relation to mainstream values, it is nevertheless being advanced by a powerful and influential elite.
The transhuman theme is surprisingly common in popular culture. In film, RoboCop is a cybernetic enhancement of a police officer, and Gattaca involves a two-tier society similar to our own where many children are genetically engineered, giving them an unfair advantage. The cyberpunk genre, featuring future high-tech dystopian cities, has a strong transhumanist element. Way back in the 1970s, the eponymous Six Million Dollar Man was a seriously injured soldier rebuilt using “bionic” replacements that give him superhuman powers.
Many technological enhancements of the human body already exist, most of which fulfil useful health purposes. Everyone is familiar with the heart pacemaker, hearing aid and prosthetic limb. Now 3D-printed organs are also starting to appear. Unlike these, much of what is predicted in the field of transhuman tech has a more questionable benefit.
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