GEIST - The Optimised Self

GEIST THE OPTIMISED SELF #.02 AUTUMN WINTER 2015-16

ISSUE

#.02

2015-16

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TRUE OPTIMISATION The avid early adopters and flamboyant flat agers are discarding the middle ground and turning their attention to the pursuit of optimisation, through the art of long-term thinking.

Revolting from the unobtainable perfect self and a looming quarter life crisis, the modern human is not going to wait patiently for evolution to present them with a superior brain.

Instead we are beginning to adopt a new manifesto for body and mind. Striving for continual improvement, pushing humanity to extremity with a limitless journey of optimisation, all whilst becoming the most efficient and optimal versions of ourselves Abiding by the Ten Commandments to become and be more human.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TRUE OPTIMISATION

1. THOU SHALT ALWAYS RELY ON ONES DNA

Personalisation at a molecular level is just about detailed enough. Companies such as GeneU who specialise in personalised skincare, have developed unique methods of technology, created to elevate and analyse our skins DNA. Finding out precisely what skin needs by combining medical microchips and technological expertise, is a serum radicalisation and a one-stop ticket to superior skin.

2. THOU SHALT ALWAYS HAVE AN EYE FOR PRETTY PACKAGING

We are only human after all. Raw data is exciting but disempowering, DNA needs to be packaged in an attractive way. Lucky for us retailers are set to turn to tactile packaging to add depth and multi-sensory attributes to our products. Packaging will aim to illustrate the bigger picture and optimise the age-old saying of ‘it’s what’s on the inside that counts’.

3. THOU SHALT NEVER RELY ON IMPULSE

The post recession has taught us to seek meaning beyond the money held in our bank accounts. While the value of money remains, our frictionless methods of spending will adapt to circumstance. Payments will now be connected to our emotions and psychological wellbeing. Everyday tasks such as brushing our teeth will harvest hormonal data. Syncing that data with an app will project the dangers of our spending habits. Eliminating emotional spending and educating the future of shopping.

4.

THOU SHALT ALWAYS CHEAT THE SYTEM

In this day and age there is a hack for everything. We hack, computers, lives and homes, why not add our bodies to the list. Brands are beginning to find ways in which we can escape the effects of our inescapable modern day lives. Unwanted additions such as jet lag and air travel will be defeated mid-flight, with a hand held spritz of melatonin or commercial in flight amenities.

Humans will be able to negate the effects and feel better at their destination point than at the start.

5.

THOU SHALT DEVELOP NOOTROPICAL TASTES

No longer will we think twice about our next pick me up. Engaging in legal pill popping is the most potent way to achieve neural optimisation. Chemical and natural Nootropics such as Modafinil, Huperzine-A and Noopept are the ‘new kids in the bathroom cabinet’.

Part of an advanced cheat sheet of ingestibles, swallow to improve focus, intelligence and memory.

6.

THOU SHALT EMBRACE AUTOGENIC VIBES

Revisiting the concept of drug culture, we will be tasked to absorb psychedelic hallucinations to reach a blissful and alternate state of mind. Deriving from 1930’s Autogenic Training, sensuous videos, lush hypnotic sequences and a kaleidoscope play of colours are unveiled in parallel presentations. Facilitating relaxation, coaxing us into a receptive lullaby.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TRUE OPTIMISATION

7.

THOU SHALT NOT FEEL GUILTY FOR ZONING OUT

A combination of Nootropics and Autogenic lullabies will send any human into a hyperreal world. We will not be held accountable for zoning out, but if we did it’s proven to have a positive effect on our psyche. All in the name of optimisation!

8.

THOU SHALT ALWAYS FIX IT IF IT’S BROKE

We would be foolish to think that our quest for optimisation wouldn’t affect our genetic code. Why wouldn’t it be obvious that eventually every human will be designed on a computer? If start up Cambrian Genomics has anything to do with it, we will be able to replace faulty parts of our DNA with shiny printed new strains, all whilst digitally designing our children.

9.

THOU SHALT NEVER NEED COMPLAIN

Brands are manipulating the science of food to alter how we feel. We will have no excuses for our temperamental restaurant mood swings, as practical ‘mental health elixir’ cocktails and holistic hors d’oeuvres will be available to adjust our unsteady serotonin levels.

Supported by research in science, design and nutrition, queuing will be the only hiccup.

10.

THOU SHALT LIVE FOREVER. IF WE REALLY WANT

Humanity is unwilling to wait for the inevitable. Just as enhancement has no end, neither will humans. Technology and nature are in conflict, manufacturing the 150-year life span.

Adopting unnatural form humans will prevail, allowing us to live till the healthy happy and agile age of 150.

THE OPTIMISED SELF

GEIST

DESIGNER DNA

Opposite: Still Life Beauty Photography - David Newton

THE OPTIMISED SELF

Above: ‘Pills on Pink’ - Rookie.mag (2016)

NOOTROPICAL TASTES NO -TROPICAL TASTES

NOOTROPICAL TASTES

GEIST

ISSUE

#.02

GEIST

2015-16

PSYCHEDELIC KALEIDOSCOPE

THE OPTIMISED SELF

AUTOGENIC LULLABIES