Amidst the raging wildfires, I find myself in a dark event space in downtown Los Angeles, far away from the chaos, raving with tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson. Known for his efforts to reverse aging, Johnson is leading the charge at his Don’t Die Summit, a day-long event that aims to build a community around his anti-aging ethos.
As the morning rave kicks off promptly at 10:30 a.m., Johnson, with his straight posture and pale complexion, dances to the deep house beat with the energy of a teenager. Surrounded by a throng of people, a security guard watches over the scene with a vigilant eye.
The summit, which costs attendees between $249 and $599, promises a day filled with keynotes, age tests, and a longevity “amusement park.” VIP ticket holders have the chance to dine with Johnson the night before for a hefty price tag of $1,499. The event follows the release of a Netflix documentary about Johnson, shedding light on his extreme health regimens and controversial life extension tactics.
Johnson’s transparency about his journey to reverse aging is evident in his willingness to share his victories and mishaps. From injecting fat into his face to publishing his personal biomarker data, Johnson’s approach blends science with clickbait appeal, drawing attention from audiences worldwide.
Attending the summit, I expected a crowd of sweaty male biohackers, but was surprised to find a gender-balanced audience. The event captures the duality of Johnson’s mission—a serious quest to outlive mortality juxtaposed with a self-aware humor that acknowledges the absurdity of the mission.
Throughout the day, attendees engage in various activities, from biological age tests to discussions on female health and evaluating longevity solutions. Johnson’s message resonates with some, while others remain skeptical, likening the pursuit of immortality to ancient myths of eternal punishment.
As the summit draws to a close, Johnson shares his vision of making Don’t Die the most influential ideology of its time. Reflecting on his words, I realize the importance of balance in life, embodying the 80/20 principle he preaches. And as I head home, stomach growling, I contemplate the lessons learned from a day spent exploring the boundaries of human longevity.
