20260729

Henry Ford visits the scrap heap

But there is inevitably a limit to what can be achieved by modulating our own physiology. We have a maximum lifespan set by our own evolutionary history, which ultimately depends on the complexity of synaptic connections in our brains, and the size of stem cell populations in other tissues. Henry Ford is said to have visited a scrap heap to determine which parts of derelict Fords were still operational, then insisting that, in new models, these pointlessly long-lasting parts should be replaced with cheaper versions to save money. Likewise, in evolution, there is no point in maintaining a large and dynamic population of stem cells in the stomach lining if they are never used, because our brains wear out first. In the end, we are optimised by evolution to our expected lifespan. I doubt we will ever find a way of living much beyond 120 by merely fine-tuning our physiology.

—The Vital Question by Nick Lane