Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer by Steven Johnson

Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer by Steven Johnson is a book that looks at the history of the quest for longer life and the advances we’ve made over thousands of years. Johnson looks at the evolution of both medical technology and the popular culture that helped shape our view of life and death. He dives into the science of aging, the importance of diet and exercise, and the technological advancements that allow some to live longer than others.

The author looks at how the idea of “extra life” is deeply rooted in history and at the fear of death that has pushed us to push the boundaries for more years of life. He looks back to the days of ancient Egyptians and Greeks when kings and rulers were known to try (sometimes in vain) to extend their lives. In Egypt, the pharaohs attempted to extend their life by consuming herbs, minerals, and potions while the Greeks believed that certain activities and diet could aid in longevity.

Getting into more modern times, Johnson looks at recent advances in science, nutrition, and technology that have contributed to the longevity of some people. He focuses on the impact of lifestyle changes on health. Some of the topics he covers include the positive effects of regular exercise, the importance of diet, the age-old practice of taking medicines, and the discovery of new treatments. He also looks at the impact of recent technologies on life expectancy, such as genetic engineering and nanotechnology.

Johnson looks at the implications of extra life on society and the need for healthcare reform. He examines the idea of guilt associated with those who are able to extend their life and how it affects our culture’s perception of death. He investigates the religious and spiritual aspects of life, and looks at the tensions between those who want to accept death, and those who try to find ways to extend life.

Johnson also examines the ethical implications of extending life: the tension between personal autonomy and the desire for more years of life, and the cost of using medical technology to increase the lifespan of terminally ill patients. He looks at the issue of the rights of an elderly patient and the risk that they might become a burden on the system or a drain on resources.

Overall, Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer is an engaging, informative, and thought-provoking look at the history and implications of the quest for longer life. Johnson examines the science, technology and culture contributing to this search, as well as its implications today. He looks into the ethical, religious and spiritual aspects of life, and provides a thought-provoking discourse on the subject. By doing so, he provides a comprehensive look at the past, present and the potential future of modern science and the search for everlasting life.