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Tech entrepreneur and longevity advocate Bryan Johnson has issued a detailed response after recently revealing that he has been diagnosed with Autoimmune Gastritis (AIG), arguing that the intense public reaction exposes a deep-seated resistance to his mission of extending human life.
Johnson, who is widely known for investing millions of dollars in longevity research and closely monitoring his health, said news of his diagnosis spread rapidly across the globe. According to him, nearly 1,900 news articles covered the development within days, while discussions across social media gained significant traction.
Although many people expressed concern and offered support, Johnson claimed that a large number of online users appeared to celebrate his diagnosis instead.
“The World Wants Me To Die”
In a post on X that has amassed more than 2.4 million views, Johnson argued that the response went beyond simple schadenfreude—the pleasure derived from another person’s misfortune.
According to him, many people viewed his illness as evidence that his long-running efforts to slow ageing were ultimately doomed to fail.
“People pointed to schadenfreude, the pleasure of another’s failure. Yes, there’s that. There is a special place in people’s hearts that loves to see others fail, especially when that person’s presence threatens their own psychological stability in some way or helps them feel better about themselves. But, if you look over the social media commentary about me, you’ll see that pattern: ‘He deserved it,’” he wrote.
Johnson suggested that many critics believe anyone attempting to challenge the inevitability of death is destined to fail, making his diagnosis appear, in their view, as a justified outcome.
Johnson Draws Parallels With Ancient Stories
Expanding on his argument, Johnson referenced historical and mythological figures who sought immortality or challenged the natural order.
He cited the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Greek healer Asclepius, and the story of Jesus, saying civilizations have long portrayed those who attempt to conquer death as individuals who are ultimately punished.
“Asclepius became so skilled at rejuvenation that he raised the dead. As punishment, Zeus struck him down with a thunderbolt to enforce life-and-death authority. This is the story of Jesus. Pontius Pilate offered a choice between a thief and the immortalist, and the crowd demanded the execution. People need this story conclusion to keep themselves sane. The challenger must lose and the loss must appear deserved. It’s a shield of self preservation,” he explained.
Johnson acknowledged that comparing his work with such historical and religious figures could invite criticism, but argued that the pattern has repeated throughout human history.
Longevity Research Could Redefine Humanity’s Future
Johnson concluded by reflecting on humanity’s long-standing relationship with mortality, arguing that advances in modern medicine and longevity science could fundamentally reshape how people think about ageing and death.
“Death has been the omnipresent concern of the human race. It encapsulates our greatest fears, joy and curiosities. The discourse around it changes over time; however, the fundamentals remain unchanged. What’s different about this moment, which is unlike any other moment, is that physical death may no longer be inevitable. ‘What if I didn’t deserve it?’” he concluded.
Johnson’s remarks have reignited debate over anti-ageing research, public attitudes toward longevity science, and the ethical questions surrounding humanity’s pursuit of extending life.