
Better Sex, Better Hair, Better Sleep: ‘Humanmaxxing’ Is Here
From Interesting Times by New York Times Opinion
June 11, 2026 · 1h 12m
About this episode
The episode discusses the balance between self-optimization and maintaining our humanity, featuring insights from biotech entrepreneur Christian Angermayer.
We can enhance athletic performance, lose weight with a pill and even take psychedelics to alter consciousness. At what point does all this self-optimization become self-obsession? When does it get in the way of our humanity itself? My guest this week is the German biotech entrepreneur Christian Angermayer, who believes scientific breakthroughs to extend our lives — and even put us in touch with the divine — are close at hand.
People in this episode
Host: Ross Douthat
Guest: Christian Angermayer
Topics covered
- self-optimization
- biotechnology
- athletic performance
- psychedelics
- humanity
Keywords
- self-optimization
- biotechnology
- psychedelics
- athletic performance
- humanity
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: New York Times Opinion
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