In the Heart of LA’s Wildfires: A Day at the Don’t Die Summit
As wildfires blaze outside, I find myself immersed in a dimly lit event space in downtown Los Angeles, away from the chaos, grooving alongside tech visionary Bryan Johnson. Renowned for his groundbreaking approaches to reversing aging, Johnson is at the helm of his ambitious Don’t Die Summit—a full-day gathering aimed at fostering a community around his anti-aging philosophy.
The morning festivities kick off right at 10:30 a.m., with Johnson standing tall and exuding youthful energy, dancing to the pulsating rhythms of deep house music. A sea of attendees surrounds him, while a vigilant security guard keeps a watchful eye on the vibrant atmosphere.
With ticket prices ranging from $249 to $599, the summit promises an engaging day filled with keynote presentations, age assessments, and what Johnson playfully calls a longevity “amusement park.” For those willing to splurge, VIP ticket holders can enjoy an exclusive dinner with Johnson the night before for a steep fee of $1,499. This event comes on the heels of a Netflix documentary that delves into Johnson’s extreme health practices and his polarizing views on life extension.
Johnson’s candidness about his aging reversal journey shines through as he openly shares both his triumphs and missteps. From facial fat injections to the publication of his own biomarker statistics, his approach combines scientific inquiry with a touch of sensationalism, capturing global attention.
Walking into the summit, I anticipated a gathering of predominantly male biohackers, but was pleasantly surprised to see a balanced mix of genders in the audience. The event beautifully encapsulates the dual nature of Johnson’s mission—a serious endeavor to outsmart mortality, paired with a self-aware humor that recognizes the absurdity of such aspirations.
Throughout the day, participants engage in a variety of activities, including biological age testing, discussions on women’s health, and evaluations of longevity strategies. While Johnson’s message resonates strongly with some attendees, others express skepticism, drawing parallels between the quest for immortality and ancient tales of eternal punishment.
As the summit wraps up, Johnson articulates his vision of establishing Don’t Die as a transformative ideology for our era. Reflecting on his words, I grasp the significance of balance in life, embodying the 80/20 principle he champions. As I make my way home, my stomach rumbling, I ponder the insights gained from a day dedicated to challenging the limits of human longevity.
