The Transtopian Principles V. 2.1.



Ouroboros

Short Version

General goal: infinite existence under the best possible conditions.
Primary means to achieve this: reason, science and technology.
Motivation: enlightened self-interest.

Transtopianism is a memetic complex; a collection of mutually supporting ideas and philosophies. Its central tenet is the realization of "arch-anarchy", the view that we should seek to void all limits on our freedom, including those imposed by the laws of nature, and that this is to be achieved by rational means like science and technology.

Transtopianism differs from kindred philosophies such as Transhumanism and Extropianism in that it's much more specific about its goals and the means to achieve them. Unlike Transhumanism, which is above all a descriptive and open philosophy, Transtopianism aimes to become a real movement (though not a very large one -- there's no need for that), a practical lifestyle that leads directly to Ascension.

Transtopianism could be seen as "codified" Transhumanism; it incorporates various memes which many Transhumanists share, such as Atheism, Egoism and Immortalism (currently embodied by cryonic suspension), but which aren't explictly part of "official" Transhumanism, as defined in the Transhumanist Declaration or the Transhuman Principles.

Transtopianism rejects runaway relativism, knee-jerk anti-(dogmat)ism and tolerance for its own sake. Choosing the right meme-set is extremely important; it's a decision that will have an impact on virtually every aspect of your life. It could ultimately be the difference between godhood and slavery, ascension and death. If you don't stand firmly for what's right (what's good for your long-term self-interest), you're likely to fall for anything. And that "anything" will almost certainly be dangerous or at least ineffective nonsense. Of all the philosophies, movements and religions that are out there, many are extremely irrational, anti-individualistic and do little to improve the human condition. They are parasitic memes that weaken their host with guilt trips, defeatism and empty promises of "heaven" or posthumous "glory", and ultimately cause his death (either actively or passively).

Transtopianism is different; it combines the "down to earth", rational approach of secular philosophies like Humanism, Skepticism and Atheism with the promise of glorious ascension and eternal life that was, until now, the domain of (irrational) religions. The best of both worlds. A philosophy that directly serves the individual, not some abstract concept like "God", "The State", "Morality" or "The Greater Good". And, unlike classical Transhumanism, it aimes to actively realize its full potential, no holds barred. Out of the proverbial Ivory Tower and into the real world.

This brings us to another, and perhaps the most important, distinquishing feature of Transtopianism: it actually takes the consequences of technological progress, and especially the Singularity, seriously. Yes, the future can be ours, but getting there in one piece will require a lot of foresight and hard work (and of course a liberal dose of good luck). The saying "there ain't no such thing as a free luch" applies especially to surviving the Singularity. Though we may be about to free ourselves from our evolutionary heritage, the Darwinian principle of survival of the fittest will become anything but redundant in the turbulent times ahead. Taking a radical, or "alarmist" as some might say, attitude towards the Singularity is the most rational thing to do because it minimizes the risks; the penalty for "radical" Singularitarianism in the very unlikely event of a gradual and peaceful transition to Posthumanity is, perhaps, some mild ridicule. The penalty for unprepared, naive technophiles in the case of a sudden and brutal Singularity is most likely death. That's why we need an "ism"; isms are a way for like-minded people to cooperate in order to achieve common goals. The rabid individualist who refuses to be part of any group will, unless he happens to be superintelligent already, be crushed to a pulp along with the ignorant masses when the Singularity (or some massive war/disaster) comes. United we (may) stand, devided we fall. Duh!

Are you a Transtopian? Well, if you agree with the Principles, the answer is "yes". More or less by definition. Whether you like it or not. But let's not dwell on introductions, Enlightenment awaits!
Index

  • I.Reason, Critical Thinking
  • II.Memetic Evolution
  • III.Intelligent Hedonism
  • IV.Transhumanism
  • V.Singularitarianism
  • VI.Atheism
  • VII.Egoism
  • VIII.Liberalism
  • IX.Mental, Physical & Financial Empowerment
  • X.No Procreation
  • XI.Cynical Optimism
  • XII.Cryonics