From: Robert J. Bradbury (bradbury@aeiveos.com)
Date: Sun May 12 2002 - 14:18:40 MDT
Welcome Vanessa.
On Sun, 12 May 2002, Vanessa Novaeris wrote:
> Because I'm new I'm still figuring out what Extropy is really about.
If you have read the principles, you should have a good idea.
They are here: http://www.extropy.org/ideas/principles.html
> It seems like more of a special perception of life & the reality which
> surrounds it. Like extropy encourages a way of seeing the outside world
> (& beyond) rather than imposing limits or definitions on the world itself.
I think it is a perspective that allows one to view the universe
as a mostly unpainted canvas -- rather than one driven by the
dictates of random mutation and natural selection.
> I've always been told some of my ideas are just "too out
> there" so I wrote them off but now I've been challenged to reconsider.
So long as you don't resort to "magic physics" your ideas will probably
be welcome here. :-) The universe appears to allow for some *very*
interesting things without having to invoke magic physics (the FTL
discussion raging now is one example of trying to stretch into the
"magical" realm).
> I'm fuzzy on how the priciples of its philosophy are fitting into peoples
> lives. But if education is one of the goals, then I must say its working
> (if only for me).
The List/Forum/BBS are a place to come to share your thoughts, hopes, ideas,
news, questions, debates, etc. It gets a little rowdy at times, but
for the most part the people are very well educated, have a variety
of backgrounds and reasonably dedicated (in their individual ways) to
advancing extropian thought and agendas.
> Since I've joined this list, I've been exposed to things I only
> imagined could exist & its made me investigate these things more on my own.
Ahhh sooo grasshopper -- that is why some of us enjoy the list as well.
We come to teach and be taught.
> But thats something I never would have done were it not for this forum.
Good for you. That way at least you will know to plug the computer
in before you try uploading yourself into it :-;
> So I know I have nothing to contribute & I'm not solving the worlds
> problems, but I am trying to lift myself up to a level of higher utility.
If you look at your life you can always find some way to contribute.
It can range from giving "Engines of Creation" to a friend to discussing
cryonics with your parents or grandparents.
> I want to learn more than I can physically take in (& learning disabilities
> don't help that much).
Take it one step at a time, I've been here for over 5 years and I still
think I've not read a majority of the stuff on the Extropian Reading List
(hangs his head in shame...).
> This is totally cheesy, but I just keep thinking of "The Matrix"
> when the main character gets plugged into some computer that just instantly
> downloads information into his brain. I think I'm really frustrated that I
> can't do that in real life.
That would make the process a *lot* easier for all of us. However, don't
be surprised if some of the people on the list play a role in getting us
that technology!
Glad to hear you have grabbed the fire hose and haven't completely
drowned yourself in the flow yet. Take it at your own rate and
share it with others.
Best regards
Robert
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