Hunter Ash Predicts Transhumanism's Triumph Through Power, Dismissing Popular Opposition

Hunter Ash, a prominent commentator on technological and societal trends, recently asserted that anti-transhumanism movements are destined to fail, likening them to historical Luddite movements. His statement, shared on social media, posits that the inherent power wielded by proponents of transhumanism will ultimately overcome any widespread public rejection.

"Anti-transhumanism will go the way of every other luddite movement: it will lose because it defines itself by opposition to a form of power. Power wins in the end. Even if 80% of people reject transhumanism, the 20% will be so powerful they’ll be the only people who matter," Ash stated in his tweet.

Transhumanism, or H+, is a philosophical and intellectual movement advocating for the enhancement of the human condition through advanced technologies such as genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology. Its core objective is to overcome fundamental human limitations, including aging, disease, and cognitive shortcomings, potentially leading to a "posthuman" state. Anti-transhumanism, conversely, expresses concerns about the ethical, social, and existential risks associated with these radical human modifications.

Ash's comparison to the Luddite movement, which opposed industrialization in the 19th century, suggests that resistance to technological advancement is futile. This perspective aligns with the transhumanist view that human evolution can and should be directed through technology. However, critics argue that such a trajectory could lead to significant societal divides.

Concerns about power dynamics and inequality are central to the debate. Philosophers like Francis Fukuyama have labeled transhumanism "the world's most dangerous idea," warning that advanced biotechnologies could exacerbate the gap between "enhanced" individuals and "those left behind," potentially creating new forms of social hierarchy. The financial resources required for such enhancements could concentrate power and influence within a technologically augmented elite, rendering the opinions of the majority irrelevant, as Ash's tweet implies with his "20% will be so powerful they’ll be the only people who matter" assertion.

This commentary underscores a growing tension between technological progress and societal equity. While transhumanist advocates often emphasize the potential for universal benefits, the practical implications of access and distribution of these transformative technologies remain a significant point of contention, suggesting a future where power, rather than popular consensus, dictates humanity's evolutionary path.