( ENSPIRE Feature ) How James Strole Is Revolutionizing the Way We Think About Aging and Inviting Us to Embrace a Future of Limitless Possibilities
ENSPIRE Contributor: Mayleen Marrero
James Russell Strole, a visionary leader and the executive director of the Coalition for Radical Life Extension, is a trailblazer in the quest to extend human lifespans. His remarkable leadership has united prominent figures from diverse fields, sparking radical activism within the longevity community. Personal experience ignited Strole’s fervent dedication, as he witnessed the loss of his grandmother and challenged the notion of aging as an inevitable fate.
This early passion led him to co-found People Unlimited in 1995, a community focused on super longevity, education, and an unbounded mindset. Alongside his role with the Coalition for Radical Life Extension, Strole’s production of RAADfest, a global event that explores cutting-edge research on longevity, further cements his legacy as a driving force in reshaping perceptions of aging and inspiring a future of limitless possibilities.
How do you stay motivated in the face of conflict and adversity?
I am very fortunate to have so many people around me who have the same mindset I do about living unlimited life spans. This is a crucial ingredient that enables us as individuals to have the power of togetherness that enables us to advance and strengthen one another on a continuous basis.
The human mind possesses incredible power, as evidenced by the age-old adage, “As a man thinks, so is he.” So, why not adopt the mindset of immortality? What do you truly stand to lose except the concept of death itself? Even if the outcome does not result in achieving physical immortality, by embracing this mindset, you have already lived a more fulfilled and enriched life. By refusing to succumb to the inevitability of mortality, you have chosen to live with greater purpose and vitality, blazing a path that defies the notion of fading away silently in the night.
Were there any events in your upbringing that caused you to rethink the accepted assumption that aging and death are unavoidable besides your grandmother’s death?
From a young age, I embarked on a quest to find the answer to a burning question: Why can’t we create a world free from aging and death? This inquiry became my driving force, and since 1971, my partner, Bernadeane Brown, and I have dedicated ourselves to making immortality a tangible reality. In those early years, discussions surrounding longevity or the possibility of unlimited lifespans were scarce. So, I am thrilled to witness the shift happening today, with unlimited lifespans and immortality becoming increasingly prominent topics of conversation. It brings me immense joy to see more people recognizing the significance of this new frontier and taking it seriously. If we are to ensure the survival of our species, it is imperative that we overcome aging and death.
What made you fascinated by Brown’s speech about the prospect of immortality?
Throughout my journey, numerous individuals have played a pivotal role in inspiring and supporting me to reach my current position. However, two individuals, Charles Paul Brown, and Bernadeane Brown stand out prominently in my mind. In 1968, I attended their event in Phoenix, Arizona, where they discussed the concept of physical immortality. It was the first time I’d ever heard anyone actually speak on that topic. I was very excited to go see them. The most powerful point they made was that physical immortality was not only possible but that it was for this day and age. This ignited a new fire in my belly and in 1971, I began to work with them and we traveled all over the world speaking.
What did you do in the activities you took part in after being captivated by Brown’s message?
Our initial travels throughout the United States, speaking about physical immortality alongside my partners, took place during a time when it was not yet a widely discussed topic. Despite this, we achieved considerable success in bringing people together, driven by the very mention of the word “immortality” that evokes a primal instinct within our beings. It excites and captivates individuals, often without them fully comprehending the underlying reasons or the methods by which it can be achieved.
Subsequently, our ventures expanded beyond national boundaries as we received invitations to speak overseas. The responses we received were nothing short of amazing. While not everyone embraced the concept, there was an unmistakable common thread running through diverse cultures and continents—most people expressed a profound desire to live indefinitely, as long as they could maintain vitality and strength.
These experiences have reaffirmed the universal yearning for a life filled with boundless possibilities, transcending conventional notions of aging and mortality.
What specific message or information are you looking to get out to your audience and others?
I believe the Coalition for Radical Extension which is the producer of RAADfest, (Revolution against Aging and Death Festival) – the largest and most progressive event of its kind – embodies the essence of the super longevity movement. As we progress forward, we will inevitably encounter various twists and turns along the way. It is crucial not to become attached to a specific path but to remain focused on the ultimate outcome. Flexibility and adaptability are key to achieving our goal of ending aging and death.
The aging and death paradigm to which we have been subjected is the root cause of immense human suffering. By dismantling this program, we will set off a chain reaction, curing not only diseases but also alleviating the emotional anguish that has plagued us. This breakthrough will propel us into boundless creativity, transcending mere survival. Conquering aging and death serve as the sword that will cut through the Gordian knot that has entangled us in perpetual struggle, both within ourselves and among one another.
People Unlimited’s powerful work, has created an everlasting effect on the field, sharing knowledge via various media channels such as TV shows and radio programs. These groundbreaking initiatives have contributed to a paradigm shift in society’s understanding of aging and death, generating a renewed optimism for a future in which existence might be extended and appreciated to its fullest potential. James Russell Strole’s persistent commitment to radical life extension continues to influence the surroundings, motivating people to redefine the limits of human existence.
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