In order to effect a significant influence on public policies related to human enhancement technologies and other major transhumanist interests, it is necessary to push hard on two fronts: 1) to increase mainstream acceptance of the transformative value of emerging technologies; and 2) to improve the perception of H+ by reducing emphasis on fringe ideas.

Today there is very little overlap between general conceptions of what may be possible and desirable (Mainstream) and the loudest rhetoric promoting the transhumanist agenda (H+). That has to change.



Here at the IEET, and in the wider technoprogressive movement, we are working on both fronts. We want to move the mainstream closer to H+ goals, and we also want to move H+ closer to the mainstream. That is the only way we can ever achieve meaningful policy influence.

We have to close the gap and create an overlap.



Transhumanist leaders should think carefully about how they present their ideas:

• Emphasize not just human enhancement, but also human health.
  
• Emphasize not just deep innovation, but also broad access.
  
• Emphasize not just transcendent experiences, but also a restored environment.
  
• Emphasize not just feasibility but also safety.
  
• Emphasize not just freedom but also fairness.

This does not necessarily mean surrendering the most ambitious goals of transhumanism or abandoning the loftiest H+ dreams. But it does mean that concepts such as Jupiter brains, immortality, uploading, and cryonics should receive far less public emphasis.

If we want to get a good start on achieving our aims, we must be willing to adopt a realistic approach. Practical politics -- pragmatism -- is how things get done.