The Death of Death: How José Cordeiro Envisions a Future Without Aging

Exploring the science and optimism behind humanity’s pursuit of immortality

What if death was no longer inevitable? What if aging could be cured, and humans could live indefinitely — not just longer, but healthier and more vibrant than ever before? While this may sound like science fiction, a growing number of experts believe that the end of aging is not only possible, but closer than we think.

One of the most passionate advocates for this vision is José Cordeiro, a transhumanist engineer, futurist, and co-author of the provocative book The Death of Death. Cordeiro believes that within the lifetimes of people alive today, death could become optional — and aging, a thing of the past.

From Dictatorship to Transhumanism: José Cordeiro’s Journey

Born in Venezuela to Spanish parents who fled the Franco regime, José Cordeiro grew up with a unique perspective on life, freedom, and the future. After studying engineering at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cordeiro continued his education at Georgetown, INSEAD, and worked for global corporations like Schlumberger and Booz Allen.

But it was his time at MIT that shaped his long-term vision. There, he encountered pioneers like Marvin Minsky and read The Age of Intelligent Machines by Ray Kurzweil — a book that changed his life. Kurzweil’s vision of exponential technological progress resonated deeply with Cordeiro, and set him on a path toward futurism and transhumanism.

Today, Cordeiro is one of the leading voices in the transhumanist movement, especially in Spain and Latin America. His mission? To help humanity defeat aging and radically extend healthy life.

Life Without Expiration: The Science Behind Immortality

Cordeiro is not just optimistic — he’s exuberantly hopeful about the future. He often says, “Life is beautiful. Why should it end?” He points to nature itself as proof that immortality is possible. In fact, certain organisms, such as some bacteria, hydras, and jellyfish, do not age. As long as they aren’t killed by predators or accidents, they can live indefinitely.

This biological insight is crucial. It shows that aging is not a universal law of nature. It’s a biological process — and like many biological processes, it could potentially be reversed or eliminated.

Within the human body, there are also “immortal” cells. Germ cells — the cells that produce sperm and eggs — do not age. Cancer cells, once mutated, also stop aging. This suggests that aging is not inevitable, even within our own biology.

Why Do We Accept Death?

Cordeiro finds it puzzling that many people resist the idea of extended lifespans. Some say that 80 or 90 years is enough. Others argue that death gives life meaning. But for Cordeiro, this is a psychological coping mechanism — a way to make peace with something we’ve never been able to control.

He argues that we’ve been conditioned to accept aging and death because we didn’t have an alternative. But now, for the first time in human history, technology is offering us a way out.

The Breakthroughs Driving the Anti-Aging Revolution

In recent years, there have been major breakthroughs in longevity science:

• Animal models: In laboratory experiments, scientists have doubled the lifespans of mice. Fruit flies have lived four times their normal lives. And some worms — called “Methuselah worms” — have lived the equivalent of 1,000 human years.

• Cell rejuvenation: In 2012, Japanese researcher Shinya Yamanaka won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for showing that mature skin cells could be reprogrammed into a younger state. His team has now successfully rejuvenated the eyes of mice and monkeys. Human trials are underway.

• CRISPR and gene editing: Tools like CRISPR-Cas9 have revolutionized biology, making it easier to edit genes and potentially eliminate the causes of aging at the molecular level.

These advances are accelerating rapidly, thanks to the exponential growth of computing power — a phenomenon first described by Moore’s Law. Every 18 months, computing power doubles in efficiency and affordability. This means that breakthroughs that once took decades now happen in just a few years.

The Real Reason We Age (and Why We Might Not Have To)

Why do we age in the first place? There is no single, agreed-upon theory. Some scientists compare aging to the wear and tear of a car — over time, parts just break down. Others believe it’s a built-in biological program, a form of “planned obsolescence” evolved over millions of years.

Cordeiro, however, believes this debate is largely irrelevant. Instead of asking why we age, he asks: How do some organisms and cells avoid aging — and how can we replicate their strategies?

He also rejects the idea that just because evolution “designed” us to age, we should accept it. Evolution has left us with many flaws — from poor eyesight to deadly diseases. Science has already corrected many of these defects. Why not aging too?

Billions Now, Trillions Soon: The Business of Living Longer

One reason for optimism is the massive growth in investment. A few years ago, anti-aging research received millions in funding. Today, it's in the billions. In the near future, Cordeiro predicts the longevity industry will attract trillions of dollars, becoming the largest industry in human history.

Why? Because aging is the root cause of nearly all major diseases: heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more. In fact, about 90% of human deaths are caused by age-related conditions. If we can cure aging, we can prevent these diseases — and save trillions in healthcare costs.

Cordeiro believes that governments should declare aging a disease — one that is preventable and treatable. This would attract even more investment, talent, and innovation to the field.

Longevity Escape Velocity: The Turning Point

Perhaps the most exciting concept in longevity science is what futurists call Longevity Escape Velocity (LEV). This is the point at which each year of scientific progress adds more than one year to the average human lifespan. In other words, science keeps you alive faster than time ages you.

Ray Kurzweil, one of the world’s leading futurists, believes we will reach LEV by the year 2029. Cordeiro agrees. He argues that if you can stay alive and healthy until 2030, you might never have to die — at least not from aging.

The Political and Ethical Dimensions

This isn’t just a scientific or medical issue. It’s also political. Cordeiro urges governments to pay close attention to these developments, because the end of aging would have profound implications for healthcare, economies, pensions, and social structures.

More importantly, curing aging could reduce suffering on a massive scale. Age-related diseases cost nations billions and take a heavy emotional toll on families. Reversing aging could free up resources, improve quality of life, and help humanity thrive like never before.

Conclusion: The Future Is Alive

José Cordeiro’s message is clear: The death of death is coming. It’s not a fantasy — it’s a goal within reach, powered by data, innovation, and global collaboration.

Of course, many challenges remain. But the direction is undeniable. As artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and genetic engineering continue to advance, the dream of ending aging is moving from the realm of science fiction into scientific reality.

And if Cordeiro is right, the children born today — and even many adults alive right now — may live long enough to see death become optional.

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Source: Forbes