Are You Living or Simply Existing?

In chapter 6, we are presented with the various concepts of self: ideas and sentiments regarding our identity and that which define it. And while we as a society continue to make strides and advancements in technology, it seems that the definition of self has slowly begun to warp into a psyche-driven technological masquerade, where despite our progress and wonders we are still confined to the human ego and all the ways that we can address it.

The Self and the Extended Self

Our environment is a strong indicator for the ultimate formation of the individual. As we age, we learn habits, ques, and cultural contexts that let us create a satisfactory clay from which we can mold ourselves. And from these experiences our personality is born, complete with tastes, preferences, beliefs, and aesthetics.

With modern technologies we have begun to accessorize said clay: plastic surgery, prosthetic enhancements, cosmetology, pharmaceuticals, and wearable computing have all ushered in an era of customized living. Where we once sought to merely define our existence, we have now begun to tread the path of synthetic pursuits.

Where do we go from here? Future technologies are fast and coming, ranging from microchip identification devices implanted within our bodies to self driving automobiles and the current emergence of virtual reality headsets. 

Have we begun to disconnect from our human traits by the privileges (or necessities) that the 21st century has granted us? What happens when this technology ages? As it drips down from luxury into an every-day-buy, how do we cope with a generation that will grow to always being accustomed to a "plugged-in" lifestyle, where alteration and enhancement is the norm or even expected? 

The Greater Good

Or, is it wrong for us to not enhance our lifestyles? As a human collective, perhaps we should be making these strides to alleviate the psychological woes of the mind and body, constructing our being as we see fit.

Should we not be moving forward, and really, who is to say? Up until now, we only know of one singular timeline: our own. We don't have a reference point for technology and human relations. We have science fiction, and we have science, and somewhere in between our imagination and capabilities have brought upon us the onset of a new way of living.

The Concept of Existing: A Blurred Reality?

My point is... Where do we draw the line between human, and human-like? Have we actually agreed on the definition of a human being, or are we, with our all glorious discoveries and capabilities, simply on the verge of defining what that actually is, what our capacity is really made of? 

Maybe humanity is subjective, only limited by our own perception and scope of interest in the subject, limitless in definition.

And is it wrong for such an organism to learn to play god, or is it neglecting our very nature and potential for us not to?

I don't know, but this is certain: my hopes and aspirations for the future and what we can do to it is only limited by my fear of what we may lose, and have already lost, along the way.