I think this could appeal to a broader audience, so I’ve taken the liberty of posting this to Hacker News. Here is my first comment there:
I’m thinking the figure probably errs more on the pessimistic side, though the author considers it optimistic. It doesn’t take into account increased technology, the benefits of assisted suicide, or the availability of cheaper labor and materials in third-world areas.
But in any case, this is a handy number to start thinking about how realistic the goal of a post-death society really is. If everyone could have it, would everyone want it? And if so, what is the maximum we would collectively be willing to pay?
I think this could appeal to a broader audience, so I’ve taken the liberty of posting this to Hacker News. Here is my first comment there: