From: natashavita@earthlink.net
Date: Thu Jul 11 2002 - 11:34:00 MDT
Original Message:
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From: E. Shaun Russell e_shaun@extropy.org
>In the eyes of the public, I think that the only thing that will lend
cryonics credibility is to reinforce the image that it is indeed
science. Otherwise, it just comes off as looking like a bizarre, amoral
cult.<
the only thing
? I have a very different view and opinion.
It is not just science and scientists who do and can bring credibility to
cryonics. As Michael West wrote to me recently, it is an element of human
communication, compassion and understanding. Without human understanding,
cryonics will look like a lab experiment for white coats.
Science is a part of the larger picture. Most people understand the larger
picture, but not science. As a viewer or reader, I would be more likely to
pay attention to cryonics if the person talking to me was both
knowledgeable about the mechanics of cryonics and also understanding of the
public's potential innability to accept cryonics. Without this human
factor, I doubt if cryonics as it is presented today (without a certain
technology for reanimation) will succeed. The necessary importance of
human achievement and the rewards of living a full and productive life are
elements that make life worth preserving. The myth that "there is a
beginning a middle and an end to life" is a myth worth cracking! Who better
to crack it than cultural communicators. Why are they? Anyone who is
well-versed.
Communicating historical facts about socially beneficial wild cards,
reflecting on trends and tipping points, covering the balance between
scientific and technological contributions, and relaying human potential is
an effective approach in addressing far-out concepts such as cryonics.
Natasha
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