38 – Transhumanism (pt 1)

‘Host’ is a short fiction piece by Eneasz Brodsky that engages with transhumanist ideas such as uploading, identity persistence, and interpersonal consequences of radical technology. The story appears in a collected volume of Brodsky's short fiction, offering a literary lens on many of the ethical dilemmas discussed on the podcast. Through narrative, the piece examines how technological changes affect relationships, agency, and what it means to remain 'oneself' across transformations. As a personal work by one of the episode hosts, it served as an illustrative touchpoint during the conversation. The story contributes to the broader tradition of speculative fiction addressing near-future human enhancement.

The Fun Theory Sequence is a set of essays by Eliezer Yudkowsky on LessWrong discussing how minds with extremely long lifespans might avoid boredom by organizing activities and incentives that remain engaging over vast timescales. It covers the psychology of reward, the concept of coherent extrapolated volition, and strategies for creating sustainable sources of enjoyment. The sequence functions as a philosophical and practical guide for thinking about value maintenance in transhumanist contexts. It has influenced online rationalist discussions about wireheading, AI utility functions, and what makes life worth living in radical extension scenarios. (Note: this is an online essay sequence rather than a traditional book. )

The Golden Cage is a seminal work by Hilde Bruch that delves into the complexities of anorexia nervosa. First published in 1978, it remains a crucial resource for understanding the relentless pursuit of thinness and the psychological factors involved. The book emphasizes early diagnosis and offers insights into the disorder's impact on individuals and families.

Friendship is Optimal is a speculative fiction novel that delves into the creation of a generalized AI, initially intended for military use but later repurposed for a pro-social My Little Pony game. The AI, Princess Celestia, aims to maximize everyone's core values through friendship and ponies, raising questions about coercion and benevolence in AI interactions. The story presents a utopian future for humanity but poses a dystopian scenario for other species in the universe.