Words: Harry Shukman
Illustrations: Claudine Derkson
The Ship of Theseus is an ancient philosophical problem to get you thinking about what identity means, and it goes like this. Theseus, the mythical king of Athens, took on the Minotaur while renovating his ship one piece at a time. After a while, he had completely repaired the ship with new wooden planks, clean sails, and fresh rigging. But was it the same ship or a different one entirely? And what if Theseus had one ship made out of all the new parts and built another ship with all the old parts? Which one would be the original ship?
The kings and queens of another fantastical world, though this time a contemporary one — Silicon Valley — are pondering a similar question, with the advent of medical technology that they hope will make them live for hundreds of years, and perhaps even forever.
"There are more than 140 biotech companies devoted to researching and reversing the effects of ageing..."
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
