Longevity: The Neoliberal Quest to Outlive the Apocalypse
The concept of longevity, once a niche Silicon Valley obsession, has become a mainstream aspiration. The article argues that the desire to extend life indefinitely is a neoliberal response to contemporary crises—wars, climate change, and pandemics—where individuals seek to outlast societal collapse rather than fix it. Longevity enthusiasts track sleep, blood sugar, and other biometrics via apps, consume supplements, and abstain from alcohol, drugs, and sugar. The trend unites tech billionaires and German wellness seekers, all aiming to postpone death and maintain peak performance into old age. The piece critiques this as a symptom of a culture that privatizes survival, leaving collective problems unaddressed. Published in Der Freitag, the article reflects on how 'live fast, die young' has been replaced by 'live long, die never.'
Key facts
- Longevity is a neoliberal concept of life extension.
- The trend originated in Silicon Valley and has spread to mainstream Germany.
- Practitioners use apps to monitor sleep, blood sugar, and other health metrics.
- Supplements are commonly consumed.
- Alcohol, drugs, and sugar are avoided.
- The goal is to remain fit and productive into old age.
- The article links longevity to a desire to outlast wars, crises, and climate damage.
- Published in Der Freitag.
Entities
Institutions
- Der Freitag
Locations
- Silicon Valley
- Schwäbische Alb
- Germany