Mind over Matter

He made history as the first human to receive Neuralink’s brain–computer interface. Paralyzed from the shoulders down since a 2016 accident, he can now play chess, text friends, and control a computer using only his thoughts. In his first major in-depth conversation, Noland Arbaugh shares—and shows—his extraordinary journey from life-changing surgery to becoming a pioneer of neurotechnology. What does it mean to live as the prototype of a new human machine future, and what comes next for accessibility, independence, and human potential? Noland Arbaugh First Human Neuralink BCI Recipient, Neurotech Pioneer Jessica Mathews Senior Writer, Fortune