# Key Points from IRC Conversation on Transhumanism, AI, and Nanotechnology

• Participants debated the feasibility of Drexlerian nanotechnology, with some arguing it's "absolutely possible" and sharing VASP simulations, while suggesting mechanical precision manufacturing could theoretically be 1000x faster than biological processes.

• Two distinct approaches to AGI development were discussed: maaku's "fixed CogPrime design with planning engines" aimed at nanofactory design versus pasky's Watson-like question-answering system (github.com/brmson) with a roadmap available at pasky.or.cz/dev/brmson/grand-plan.pdf.

• A significant debate emerged about the most efficient path to advanced nanotechnology: direct funding ($500M over 10 years) versus developing an AGI first that could design nanofactories with fewer resources ($1-2M over 10 years).

• The conversation revealed tensions between theoretical transhumanism and practical implementation, with several participants criticizing the transhumanist and LessWrong communities for focusing on discussion rather than building technology.

• Participants discussed blockchain applications, concluding that traditional databases are more appropriate for inventory control, while also mentioning cryptocurrency projects like Freicoin (with built-in depreciation) and Freimarkets (combining credit systems with commodity basket units).

• The financial viability of biology careers was debated, with kanzure noting "biology is not a high-paying career" and suggesting that earning money in other fields could provide more leverage for funding research into life extension and related technologies.