Tech billionaires trying to live for ever? That’s a waste of time, says physicist
Physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili argues that tech billionaires pursuing immortality are wasting their limited time on Earth. He emphasizes that human existence is brief compared to the universe's age, suggesting that making the most of the present is more valuable than attempting to extend life. Al-Khalili will explore these concepts, including the nature of time and theoretical time travel, in his upcoming Royal Institution Christmas lectures.
- ▪Professor Jim Al-Khalili states that trying to live forever is a waste of time because human life is a tiny fraction of the universe's history.
- ▪Tech billionaire Bryan Johnson has attempted drastic anti-aging measures, including injecting plasma from his 17-year-old son, though he later reported no benefit.
- ▪Al-Khalili explains that according to Einstein's theory of relativity, time does not run at the same rate for everyone and is affected by gravity.
- ▪The physicist plans to discuss the paradoxes of theoretical time travel and the coexistence of past, present, and future in his Christmas lectures.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/sep/18/tech-billionaires-live-forever-waste-of-time-says-physicist-royal-institution |
| Publication time | Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:00:21 GMT |
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Prof Jim Al-Khalili will explore some of the paradoxes of theoretical time travel in his Christmas lectures. Photograph: Paul SteadView image in fullscreenProf Jim Al-Khalili will explore some of the paradoxes of theoretical time travel in his Christmas lectures. Photograph: Paul SteadPhysicsTech billionaires trying to live for ever? That’s a waste of time, says physicistExclusive: Prof Jim Al-Khalili says he will offer solution to ‘arrow of time’ problem in Royal Institution lecturesNicola Davis Science correspondentFri 18 Sep 2026 11.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleTech billionaires attempting to live for ever are, quite literally, wasting their time, a leading physicist has said.While some normal people are turning to unregulated peptide injections, cold plunges and supplements…
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