On Asceticism and Healthy Living

In the age of rapid technological advancement, the merging of spiritual disciplines with transhumanist ideals might seem unlikely. Yet, a closer look reveals profound connections between the Christian tradition of asceticism and the goals of transhumanism. While transhumanism seeks to enhance human potential through technology, asceticism achieves similar goals through disciplined spiritual practices. These parallels reveal a shared commitment to refining the human experience. Both seek to refine the human condition: one through spiritual discipline and the other through technological enhancement. By exploring their intersections, we can uncover a unique dialogue that bridges the ancient and the futuristic.

Understanding Asceticism

Asceticism often conjures images of extreme deprivation or self-mortification, yet its essence lies in spiritual training: a disciplined practice aimed at refining both body and mind. Originating from Pythagorean and Platonic philosophical traditions, the goal of asceticism was to attain virtue and wisdom through the mastery of self-control and the cultivation of intellectual pursuits. Like an athlete preparing for competition, the ascetic seeks to attain these goals through engaging in spiritual practices. These practices, which include fasting, celibacy, and extended periods of prayer, are intended to deepen one’s connection with God and cultivate moral and spiritual well-being.

Rooted in Judaism and these philosophical traditions, Christian asceticism developed from the teachings of early Church Fathers such as Clement of Alexandria and Evagrius Ponticus. Clement regarded philosophy and Scripture as dual expressions of divine knowledge, while Evagrius emphasized the role of body and soul in aiding intellectual and spiritual clarity. By engaging in ascetic practices, these ascetics aimed to achieve either apatheia, a state of inner calm that fosters love and knowledge, or eudaimonia which aims to attain human flourishing. These teachings were elaborated upon by later theologians, including Bonaventure who eloquently stated that asceticism “prepares, fosters, and preserves perfection.” This enables a deeper experience of God’s presence through gradual transformation.

Meditation

At the heart of asceticism is prayer: an offering of speech and thought to God. Meditation serves as a complementary practice, turning the mind inward and towards divine truths that pave the way for contemplation, where the intellect may experience God directly. Building upon the teachings of Augustine of Hippo and Richard of St. Victor, Bonaventure described this process in The Mind’s Journey to God. Within this concise manual, he details a systematic process that begins with observing external objects and continues as a growing internal awareness of divine presence.

As Christian meditation illustrates a process of spiritual insight and awareness, this practice aligns with transhumanist pursuits of cognitive enhancement and mental optimization. A 2014 meta-analysis in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, Kieran C.R. Fox et al. concluded that meditation induces moderate changes in brain areas linked to meta-awareness, emotional regulation, and inter-hemispheric communication. As a form of prayer that leads one to contemplate the nature of God, Christian meditation has demonstrated the ability to enhance mental wellbeing.

Fasting

Another key ascetic practice is fasting, wherein the individual voluntarily abstains from certain foods or indulgences. While it might take the form of intermittent fasting or a vegan diet, spiritual fasting extends to the renunciation of thoughts and actions that lead to vice. John Chrysostom highlighted fasting’s transformative power by stating, “Fasting purifies the mind, calms the senses, subjects the flesh to the spirit, renders the heart humble and contrite, disperses the clouds of concupiscence, extinguishes the heat of passion, and lights up the fire of chastity.”

Fasting’s health benefits are well-documented, particularly within transhumanist communities interested in life extension. Intermittent fasting, a practice embraced by many, has been shown to mitigate metabolic disorders and slow cognitive decline, as evidenced by Alicja Grzelak’s 2025 study in the Journal of Education, Health, and Sport. Such findings echo the ascetic understanding of fasting as a necessity towards spiritual health, while indicating that it offers physical health benefits as well.

Repentance

Part of human experience is to err, to make mistakes. This understanding of human sin is present in the term hamartia, an archery term frequently used to describe when a beginner would miss the mark. When spiritual discipline falters, repentance, or metanoia (literally ‘turning the mind’), becomes essential. This practice involves turning the mind away from sin and confronting personal shortcomings to cultivate virtue, which may take the form of a more comprehensive evaluation such as confession, or a simple prayer of contrition. Forgiveness, both of oneself and others, is integral to this process. Gregory Palamas observed, “A person who repents from the soul reaches God by good intentions and avoidance of sin.”

The cultivation of virtue through repentance aligns with transhumanism’s ethos of continuous progress, especially when virtue ethics is applied as the common ethical paradigm. As discussions on “moral transhumanism” continue to emerge, this common paradigm will provide a solid foundation for integrating morality into technological advancement. This includes the works of philosophers and theologians, such as Thomas Aquinas that articulate a eudaimonistic view of moral and spiritual development, while consulting empirical evidence. In a 2024 study published in BMC Psychology, Aswathy Vismaya et al. concluded that repentance as a means of turning away from your errors, along with moving forward to do better with restitution as needed, can be a powerful route towards improving one’s mental health and wellbeing.

Improving the Body and Soul

While ascetics view the body as a vessel for spiritual growth, requiring discipline and refinement to align with a divine purpose, transhumanists seek to transcend the biological limitations to achieve a greater degree of wellbeing and fulfillment. For this reason, both affirm the importance of nurturing the body and soul as a complete unit. This convergence invites a richer understanding of how ancient spiritual disciplines can inform modern technological pursuits. Through the practice of meditation, fasting, and repentance, we not only honor our spiritual heritage but also engage in a transformative dialogue that unites faith and innovation.

The adoption of traditional asceticism within Christian transhumanism offers a compelling vision for a holistic cultivation of eudaimonia. As we navigate the intersection of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology, we are reminded that the pursuit of health and holiness is not mutually exclusive. Instead, it is a shared journey toward greater understanding, virtue, and living the beata vita found in God.