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Principles of Extropianism: An Evolutionary Framework Toward Posthumanism
- Deodato Salafia
- Sep 12, 2024
- 4 min read
In the late 1980s, philosopher and researcher Max More observed how the search for a shared societal meaning, the emancipation from dogmas and totalitarianism, and the broader advancement of technology had laid the foundation for a phase of transhumanism for humanity. Humanism envisions a “human” form of control over mankind’s destiny—liberated from origins or predefined sources of meaning imposed by external authorities.
Transhumanism is a form of humanism enhanced by technology, which on one hand accelerates evolution and on the other provides fantastic scenarios. To fully imagine these scenarios, one must embrace an open vision of evolution—no longer necessarily centered on the human being or their biology (as mentioned in Universal Darwinism in the AI Era).Max More himself, in the summer of 1990, wrote:“Humanity is a temporary stage along the evolutionary pathway. We are not the zenith of nature’s development.”
To frame this transition, More created the “Extropianism Manifesto.”
The Core Principles of Extropianism
The Principles of Extropianism are a set of values and standards offering an alternative perspective to face the opportunities, challenges, and dangers emerging from technological and scientific progress.Originally developed in the 1980s, these principles do not aim to provide a complete philosophy of life or promote specific beliefs, but rather to codify proactive ideals capable of guiding and inspiring innovative thinking around fundamental issues—both personal and societal.
Perpetual Progress
This principle challenges the traditional idea that human nature must remain unchanged to conform to what is considered “natural” or divinely intended.Extropianism sees human evolution not as a finished process, but as a continuous journey toward more advanced forms of existence.This progress also includes technological development, which should be used to overcome biological and psychological limitations.The human condition is potentially a transition between animal evolution and new posthuman states.
Self-Transformation
This principle focuses on the importance of constant personal improvement.Such improvement is not only physical, but also intellectual, psychological, and ethical.Personal ethics should be as free as possible from social conditioning—while always respecting the reality of others.Extropianism encourages the use of emerging technologies to enhance both body and mind, while maintaining a strong sense of personal responsibility and a commitment to continuous growth.
Practical Optimism
Practical optimism is a positive, dynamic attitude that pushes individuals to realize their ideals in the real world.This form of optimism is not passive—it demands continuous action to face challenges and overcome obstacles.Extropians see progress as a continuous process, fueled by confidence in humanity’s ability to improve life through innovation and determination.Practical optimism is also critical—it does not blindly adhere to past practices that limit potential.
Intelligent Technology
In the extropian context, intelligent technology means using science and technology not as ends in themselves, but as tools to enhance human life.Technology should be designed and managed to expand human capacities and overcome the limits imposed by our biological and cultural heritage.Extropians view technology as essential to realizing their values and ideals, contributing to humanity’s ongoing evolution.
Open Society
An open society is fundamental to extropianism.Such a society protects freedom of expression, the free exchange of ideas, and the possibility to experiment and innovate.Extropians oppose authoritarian control and excessive hierarchy, preferring decentralized social order that fosters progress through cooperation and communication.Open societies allow for continuous cultural and social evolution, encouraging exploration and innovation.
Self-Direction
Self-direction is another core principle, highlighting the importance of individual freedom and personal responsibility.Individuals should be free to define their own path of growth and transformation, based on a clear understanding of their values and goals.Self-direction requires self-discipline and constant reflection, and it is closely linked to respect for the autonomy of others.
Rational Thinking
Finally, rational thinking is the foundation of extropianism.This principle values reason, critical inquiry, and intellectual independence.Extropians reject blind faith and dogmatism, preferring an approach based on analysis and empirical evidence.Rational thinking is seen as a means to advance knowledge and continually improve both our lives and our societies.
This philosophy has profound ethical consequences.While it generally acknowledges the positive role that religions have played in giving humanity a sense of meaning, it now considers them outdated, aligning with the conclusions of Marx and Hegel.Moreover, a posthumanist worldview is not necessarily one that includes humans as we currently know them.Therefore, no progress should be obstructed if it aligns with rational, optimistic thinking and is closer to a genuine human desire.
An extropian imagines a future of eternal life, the possibility to change bodies, create backups of oneself, and other hypothetical scenarios.They do not know if or when these goals will be achieved—but they refuse to set limits.
At first glance, many of these conclusions may evoke fear or raise ethical doubts.However, imagine going back 400 or 500 years: how would our ancestors have judged actions like heart transplants, terminating a pregnancy due to fetal abnormalities, being born via surrogacy, or engineering new plants and animals in a lab?
The word “extropia” is intentionally the opposite of “entropy”—representing order as will and purpose, in contrast to disorder.A world created by a god may be philosophically ordered, but in reality, chaotic.An extropian aspires to reorganize the world, following evolutionary drives toward concrete order in the real world, leaving behind any dogma that suggests only philosophical order.
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