David Bowie: 'I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.'

I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.

David Bowie's quote, "I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human," encapsulates the essence of his creative spirit and his relentless drive for self-expression. This statement speaks to Bowie's innate desire to transcend the limitations of being a mere mortal and explore the realms of the extraordinary. It is an admission of his yearning to push the boundaries of his own existence and to create a persona that encompasses more than the ordinary human experience.The importance of this quote lies in its reflection of Bowie's unyielding dedication to artistic experimentation and his pursuit of authenticity. Bowie's career was marked by reinvention and the constant exploration of various musical genres, personas, and artistic styles. This quote serves as a testament to his refusal to conform to societal expectations and his refusal to remain confined within the constraints of conventional norms.What makes this quote particularly intriguing is its potential connection to a larger philosophical concept - that of transhumanism. Transhumanism, a movement rooted in the idea of using technology to enhance human capabilities, questions the very notion of human nature and seeks to transcend the limitations of our biological existence. Just as Bowie expressed his desire to be something more than human, transhumanists advocate for the augmentation of human abilities, both physical and intellectual, through technological advancements.While Bowie's quote does not explicitly align with transhumanism, it does prompt us to contemplate the boundaries of human existence and the possibilities that lie beyond. Bowie's desire to be something more than human can be seen as a metaphorical representation of our collective thirst for growth and evolution. It invites us to ponder the fundamental questions of what it means to be human and whether our potential is limited by our biological makeup.Of course, Bowie's approach to being "something more than human" was more artistic and metaphorical in nature. His intention was not to attain physical or technological enhancements but rather to explore the infinite spectrum of human emotions and experiences through music and performance. His various personas, such as Ziggy Stardust or Aladdin Sane, allowed him to embody different facets of himself and delve into realms beyond the ordinary.In contrast, transhumanism advocates for a future where technology merges with humanity, giving rise to a new kind of existence. It envisions a world where humans can overcome aging, disease, and physical limitations through advancements in fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering. Transhumanists believe that by transcending our human limitations, we have the potential to shape our future and redefine our very nature.While both Bowie's sentiment and transhumanism share a curiosity about what lies beyond human capabilities, they take different paths to explore the concept. Bowie's artistic approach focuses on the imagination, emotional depth, and the human experience, while transhumanism seeks to intertwine technology with humanity itself.In conclusion, David Bowie's quote, "I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human," serves as a powerful encapsulation of his relentless pursuit of artistic self-expression and his refusal to accept the limitations of conventional existence. By introducing the philosophical concept of transhumanism, we find an unexpected parallel that provokes contemplation on the nature of humanity and the potential for transcendence. Bowie's artistic endeavors and transhumanism may take distinct paths, but ultimately, they both beckon us to question what it means to be human and encourage us to push the boundaries of our existence.