From Tech Tycoon to Anti-Aging Evangelist: Bryan Johnson’s Radical Quest to ‘Don’t Die’
Imagine a life where aging isn’t inevitable, where death is a choice, not a certainty. Sounds like science fiction, right? But for Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur behind the payment processing giant Braintree, it’s a way of life. Now, he’s making a bold move, shutting down his age-reversal startup, Blueprint, to fully dedicate himself to a movement focused on redefining life’s boundaries and consciousness transfer. You might be wondering, why would he do this? And what does it mean for the rest of us?
In this article, we’ll delve into Johnson’s fascinating journey, exploring his shift from the world of tech to the pursuit of immortality. We’ll uncover what drove him to build Blueprint, why he’s closing it down, and what his new movement, “Don’t Die,” is all about. You’ll learn about his radical approach to health, his underlying philosophy, and what you can take away from his journey – even if you aren’t planning on plasma transfusions anytime soon.
The Blueprint Breakup: Why Johnson is Leaving His Startup Behind
Bryan Johnson’s story isn’t just about wealth; it’s about obsession. It began with Blueprint, a startup aimed at commercializing parts of his extreme, $2 million-a-year anti-aging regimen. This intricate routine includes a strict vegan diet, over 100 daily pills, rigorous exercise, sleep optimization, and countless medical tests. Johnson claims this has allowed him to achieve the biological metrics of an 18-year-old, despite being in his forties. But despite attracting a dedicated following and generating buzz, he’s decided to pivot.
Why? Johnson admits Blueprint became a huge “pain-in-the-a**.” He believes that running a commercial venture distracts from his core mission: to reshape humanity’s complex relationship with death and to, well, *not die*. He now views the business as a costly distraction from his emerging philosophical and potentially religious movement. Some speculate that the financial unviability of Blueprint may have been a factor as well, as the company was experiencing financial losses. But whether it’s purely ideological or partly driven by finances, the shift signals a major pivot in Johnson’s focus.
From Braintree to Brains: A Quick Glimpse at Bryan Johnson’s Career
Bryan’s journey is far from ordinary. Born on August 22, 1977, he grew up on a farm in Utah. His background is a testament to his diverse interests. He holds a BA in International Studies from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. But his entrepreneurial spirit truly ignited when he founded Braintree in 2007. He bootstrapped the mobile and web payment processing company, which served giants like Airbnb and Uber. The sale of Braintree to PayPal for $800 million in 2013 provided him with the financial resources that he would invest in the pursuit of longevity.
Following the success of Braintree, Johnson redirected his wealth towards ambitious scientific ventures, including OS Fund and Kernel. OS Fund was designed to support frontier science, and Kernel aimed to develop groundbreaking brain-monitoring neurotechnology. These initiatives highlight his consistent focus on pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territory.
Don’t Die: A New Philosophical and Spiritual Framework?
The core of Johnson’s new focus is the “Don’t Die” movement. He describes it as a philosophical or even religious shift. He believes that existence is humanity’s highest virtue and is positioning “Don’t Die” as a potential post-capitalist vision for human existence. For him, the movement isn’t just about extending life; it’s about transforming our understanding of life and death. He sees this as his true calling, a mission that goes beyond the confines of a company or product.
What exactly does this look like? It’s still early days. In short, Johnson wants to redefine our relationship with death. He’s exploring the possibilities of consciousness transfer, trying to live a life where living longer is the ultimate aim and objective to human existence. As we continue into an age influenced heavily by artificial intelligence, Johnson views ”Don’t Die” as a framework for the future.
Practical Takeaways: What Can You Apply from This Radical Journey?
While you might not be ready for intense dietary restrictions or plasma transfusions, Bryan Johnson’s story still offers valuable insights we can weave into our own lives. Here are some takeaways:
- Prioritize Health: Johnson’s dedication to optimizing his health underscores the importance of taking charge of your well-being. Focus on healthy eating, exercise, and stress management.
- Invest in Learning: Bryan’s success in multiple fields demonstrates the power of consistent learning and expanding your horizons, even if it’s not as radical as slowing down of the aging process.
- Question Assumptions: Johnson challenges the societal norm of accepting aging and death as inevitabilities. Dare to question conventional wisdom and explore new possibilities.
- Define Your Values: Johnson’s shift from business to philosophy highlights the importance of aligning your actions with your deeper values and core beliefs.
The Future of Bryan Johnson’s Quest
Bryan Johnson is clearly an unconventional figure. Whether you see him as a visionary or an eccentric billionaire, his journey is a powerful reminder that everything is possible. It’s quite a philosophical stance. While his Blueprint project is ending in its current form, his focus on “Don’t Die” suggests he intends to spend life finding immortality and attempting to revolutionize our understanding of life and death. The question, of course, is, will he have any success? Will his vision to evolve humanity’s relationship with life become more than just a philosophical endeavor? Only time will tell.