Scenario: Edgar W Swank



Interview with Edgar W. Swank

by Jonathan Despres. Go to the Interviews.

'''Tell us about yourself. What is your background, and what current projects are you involved in?'''

I graduated with a B.S. in Physics from Washington State University. I then worked nearly 30 years as a computer programmer. I am now retired. I am currently the President of the American Cryonics Society and a member of the Board of Governors.

What are your goals for the next decade?

1. To stay alive. 2. To improve the American Cryonics Society.

When do you think will we achieve real life extension?

I don't feel qualified to guess. I hope in time to do me some good.

Do you believe in Cryonics and when will it suceed?

I am hopeful that Cryonics will be successful, as my own survival will likely depend on it. I wouldn't hazard a guess as to when, as "success" is hard to define.

Why isn't the science of cryonics progressing at a rate commensurate to other sciences?

Obviously, lack of funding, which is in turn partially due to lack of popularity.

Which path should we take for immortalism, nanomedicine or biogerontology or something else?

I wouldn't try to pick a "winner." "Let a thousand flowers bloom."

What first attracted you to the idea of physical immortality?

I think I saw an interview with Ettinger on a late night talk show. Since I had stopped being religious long before that, I was immediately attracted to this alternative to ignorance and superstition.

What a company can do to become sucessful in the life extension business?

If I knew, I'd be doing it. In the meantime, we just do the best we can.

How handy an indefinite lifespan would be?

Obviously, there's an enormous waste of resources in educating each succeding generation.

Do you know a good person who I should interview?

You might try Jim Yount