Larry King Now Season 1 Episode 1 Larry King and Seth MacFarlane On Cryonics
- July 15, 2012
- 26 min
In the first episode of Larry King Now season 1, legendary television personality Larry King is joined by Seth MacFarlane to discuss a controversial topic: cryonics. The episode opens with King introducing MacFarlane as a multi-talented producer, writer, and actor known for creating popular TV shows such as Family Guy and American Dad!.
King begins the conversation by defining cryonics and questioning the feasibility of the procedure. MacFarlane explains that individuals who opt for cryonics believe that it is possible to preserve the body in a suspended state until medical technology advances and the person can be revived. While acknowledging that cryonics is still viewed by many as pseudoscience, MacFarlane shares his fascination with the idea of future technology and the possibility of extending human life.
The conversation quickly turns to ethical concerns surrounding cryonics, such as the concept of playing the role of God. MacFarlane argues that our understanding of life and death is constantly evolving, and cryonics could be seen as simply an extension of modern medical technology. King counters by asking about the potential economic implications of cryonics, questioning whether it is only available to the wealthy.
In addition to discussing the scientific and ethical aspects of cryonics, King and MacFarlane also delve into personal beliefs on the subject. MacFarlane shares that he has signed up for cryonics, citing his desire to explore the future and his belief in the possibility of technological advancements. King reveals that he is more skeptical of the practice, questioning whether anyone would want to be revived in a world completely foreign to them.
As the conversation winds down, King and MacFarlane reflect on the potential implications of cryonics for society. They both agree that the idea of extending life is exciting but acknowledge that it could also be problematic, particularly if only available to a select group of individuals.
Overall, the first episode of Larry King Now season 1 provides a fascinating exploration of the scientific, ethical, and personal aspects of cryonics. Through their conversation, King and MacFarlane offer a nuanced view of an increasingly popular yet highly controversial topic.