Here, I discuss human nature to unravel the dynamics of contemporary civilization and determine which version of our future might be most favorable. I consider the human condition and human nature in order to find criteria for differentiation between genuine human enhancement and pseudo-enhancement. Based on the insights of Plessner and de Mul, I analyze the dynamics of human development and search for the vector/direction of future human advancement.

I suppose that the human evolutionary vector coincides with the direction of the transition from animal to human: namely, the preservation of juvenile characteristics of an ape (ancestor) by the adult human (descendant). This process is called “juvenilization” or “neoteny” by Luis Bolk. Similar to neoteny in anthropogenesis, contemporary children’s creativity and capacity to learn can serve as a prototype of a more favorable version of humanity, to the extent that these talents are retained in adulthood. The two determining traits of this second juvenilization – I suggest – will be high creativity and indefinite lifespan. Based on this, I argue that an indefinite lifespan is required by the human inner world. Finally, I consider the implications of an indefinite lifespan for a meaningful life.