From: Chen Yixiong, Eric (cyixiong@myrealbox.com)
Date: Fri Jul 12 2002 - 20:32:34 MDT
<< I actually think it is a more feasible to create a pro-progress, pro-freedom region on Earth than to build a Mars colony. The
latter is a problem that can be phrased in technology, but will in the end come down to the same problems of ideology, economics and
politics that are needed anyway to change things here. >>
I would just like to point out some old arguments:
1) The "putting all our eggs in one basket" argument: Planet Earth might experience any of the kind of hazards that would set back
the Singularity, or even worse, exterminate the planet.
2) The fact that we also cannot ensure our society of 6 billion, with so many problems, will enter a singularity faster than say, a
society of 10000 dedictated transhumanists aided with the most advanced high-tech (and thus massive automation), a highly efficient
social system and a greatly positive mindset
The difficulty in asking for commitment might have a good side: It can separate the truly interested from those who just want to
"tag along".
For the problem of missing the Singularity, I suggest that we should consider getting two way tickets: a ticket for leaving Earth in
case of worldwide hazards and a ticket for returning to Earth in case of the Singularity. Of course, the Singularity might visit us
even if we don't bother to move to greet it.
I stand on the side of more prudence in asking humanity to buy some additional insurance. The issue does not have a clear right and
wrong: as long as we have people to pursue both forks of the path we would receive sufficient protection against any misconceptions.
In biasing towards memes of living seperately, I merely want to provide a counter-balance to the memes of living on Earth which has
overwhelmingly infected Earth's inhabitants. I hope to remind people to remember the *other* fork too, and maybe other forks beyond
these two forks.
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