Re: Polemics for longevity

From: Bryan Moss (bryan.moss@dial.pipex.com)
Date: Mon Jan 24 2000 - 13:03:09 MST


Joao Pedro de Magalhaes wrote:

> > I really don't buy the 'destructive, stupid, selfish'
> > line; destructive compared to what...?
>
> I think human beings are stupid, destructive and selfish
> because the their actions within History. Of course you
> can argue that now we are less destructive and stupid than
> 200 years ago; it's true but that does not invalidate the
> stupidity, selfishness and detructiveness within present
> human minds.

Again, destructive/stupid/selfish compared to what? To
other species? I don't think that's a fair comparison.

Point me to a less-destructive/less-stupid/less-selfish
civilisation that exists anywhere but in dreams.

> > I think we've just got a whole bunch of new technologies
> > that make us *seem* more humane.
>
> Although technology has something to do with it, I believe
> a better education is the main basis for our evolution.

Perhaps. But take our smart bombs away and we'll go back to
carpet bombing in an instant.

I think it would be prudent of us to consider that our minds
may not be as malleable as they appear.

BM



This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Fri Nov 01 2002 - 15:26:26 MST