Today I got into a discussion with one of my coworkers about the idea of humans becoming immortal (a la Aubrey de Grey). I realized, not for the first time, that I am instinctively horrified by the idea of immortality and by the more general proposition that man can and should become perfect.

Later he sent me a link to The Venus Project, oriented to the perfection of man and society. Just looking at the drawings on the front page made me feel queasy, but here's something from the FAQ to muse on:

The Venus Project presents an alternative vision for a sustainable world civilization unlike any political, economic or social system that has gone before. It envisions a time in the near future when money, politics, self and national-interest have been phased out.

What is strange for me is that I simultaneously reject this kind of utopian ideal and cling to the ideals of American democracy and social progress. I do believe the world can be a better place; I've been working my ass off to that end for almost three years now and plan at it. Not to mention my love of fantastical and utopian science fiction. So why do these sorts of projects rile me up so much that I immediately dismiss them? What am I clinging to that is so offended by this kind of idea? Is it just that this kind of utopia would undermind the one that I believe in? _
respond?