Modified Declaration

An interpretation of the Transhumanist Declaration with the intent of converting (and in the process, destroying) humanity more efficiently, as opposed to buoying it in a velvet prison as the seas of convergent social forces get ever rougher. Why would we want to remain human in a world where more is possible?

1.    Humanity has always engaged in the active processes of science and technology, and individual humans have always been subject to the technological initiatives of their times. We envision the possibility of surpassing human potential by overcoming aging, cognitive shortcomings, involuntary suffering, and our confinement to planet Earth.
2.    We believe that our potential is still mostly unrealized and severely limited by the human body. There are possible scenarios that lead to wonderful and exceedingly worthwhile enhanced conditions for the forms that come after.
3.    We recognize that we face serious risks, especially from the limitation of new technologies. There are possible realistic scenarios that lead to the loss of most, or even all, of what we currently hold valuable. Some of these scenarios are drastic, others are subtle. Change is the only way to survive, refusing to do so out of fear of lack of an immaterial value such as “progress” is self-destructive.
4.    Research efforts towards understanding these prospects must be supported in all ways. We need to carefully deliberate on how best to mitigate risks and expedite beneficial applications. We also need forums where people can constructively discuss what should be done, and to loosen the social order until their ideas can actually be implemented.
5.    Reduction of existential risks, and development of means for the preservation of life and health, the alleviation or end of grave suffering, and the improvement of general foresight and wisdom should be pursued as urgent priorities, and heavily supported in all manners.
6.    Policy making driven by “moral vision” always acts as a limiting force, a roadblock with no interest in respecting autonomy or individual rights. Showing solidarity with and concern for the interests and dignity of all people around the globe is more important than showing solidarity with future generations. We must not limit ourselves and risk failure out of socially constructed responsibility to non-existent persons. All forces that limit our ascension, whether socially formed like morality or physically assembled in the form of oppressive state entities with vast legions of corporate and police goons, must be met with full force as they cannot be expected to reciprocally self-moderate.
7.    We advocate the equal pursuit of well-being for all sentience, including humans, non-human animals, and any future artificial intellects, modified life forms, or other intelligences to which technological and scientific advance may give rise.
8.    We favour allowing individuals wide personal choice over how they enable their lives. This includes use of techniques that may be developed to assist memory, concentration, and mental energy; life extension therapies; reproductive choice technologies; cryonics procedures; radical cyberization or genetic modification; and any other possible human modification and enhancement technologies.