From: John Grigg (starman2100@lycos.com)
Date: Sat Jul 20 2002 - 00:27:28 MDT
Anders wrote:
J.S. Bach was definitely a creative genius, but also very fond of both
sex and love, as his even for his time large family demonstrates. OK,
one data point does not evidence make, but I think the evidence suggests that most of the really successful geniuses - Picasso, Freud, Newton, Gauss and Linneaus - did more than just one thing (and with the possible exception of Newton, did have lovelives).
(end)
Thank you Anders! I don't see being celibate and unmarried as being necessary to have a successful or even brilliant career in the sciences. It may even help it when you have an emotionally supportive partner to joyfully share your life with.
Vanessa wrote:
...So if nobody ever thought about sex except to when it was time to hatch more humans, clearly humanity on the whole would be waaay more productive. I realize this is a tall order. But if the hormone surge can be delayed for a number of years, why not delay it indefinitely? Why not eliminate the distractions altogether rather than just delaying the inevitable?
So now I think gonads are a dumb idea ...
(end)
I would like it where people have the OPTION of delaying or stopping/diminishing their sexual desires. I would also want young people to be able to make the choice if possible, and not really the parents.
The first kids to be genetically tinkered with to not enter puberty till let's say age twenty would be in for a lot of persecution from peers if they were found out! lol God help the child who is different in a way not seen as cool.
Mike Perry replied to Vanessa:
Yeah, I have to agree with this. I wonder how many more out there are
extropian/immortalist leaning and more-or-less anti-sex.
(end)
Mike, if only James Swayze were reading this! I remember when he gave you a hard time about a similar comment on Cryonet.
For those of you who don't know, James gently chided him by asking if he would "resist" the advances of an attractive post-singularity woman who wanted a relationship! lol
Instead of being simply "anti-sex", I think people should be more "anti-promiscuity". At least most people have the strong desire for romantic companionship and commitment combined with eros, and from that will come a strong sexual relationship with many layers of meaning. I frankly don't blame people for wanting to avoid sex in a world where there is often no real commitment and it is seen as simply another physical appetite to be satiated at any cost.
Natasha wrote:
Our structural, functional, and behavioral characteristic attachment to sex
is enormous, as is an intentional attachment to being a proponent of
"anti-sex".
(end)
Exactly. Sex is vastly more than simply engaging in the act for one, two hours every day(or however long). Our sexuality/self-hood permeates who we are, even if celibate.
Rafal wrote:
While not exactly anti-sex, I would also prefer to have full volitional
control over this drive. I would mostly keep it switched off except in
select situations.
(end)
Max More wrote something similar in one of his articles. It would be nice to keep the sexual thermostat down low until the need arises, and then to raise it so high the wallpaper melts off the sheetrock!
Vanessa wrote:
OH NO! You mean this stuff keeps going full force till you're that
old!? Yikes! I thought people would be sick of it by then. I always liked to
use my age as an excuse but there goes that...
*sigh*
I'll repeat: I think gonads are stupid. But maybe its the brain's
fault: Shouldn't the brain be strong enough to resist sexual hormones?
(end)
If you take good care of yourself the 'ole libido may be with you a long time! lol!
I was raised Mormon, and taught the brain is up to a point strong enough to resist sexual hormones. I was told it is when we are put into the midst of temptation(back seat of car with very attractive and friendly partner, etc.) and get to a certain point(point of no return!) that we lose our freedom of choice due to our hormonal lust and its effect on us. But if we control the situations we let ourselves get into(that can at times be a challenge) and have firm commitments to self beforehand, we can resist successfully.
And in keeping with this, Mormon youth(and more mature folks) are told to stay out of the home of a member of the opposite sex when no one else is home, stay out of bedrooms belonging to members of the opposite sex, not drink(a big resistance squelcher!), no "dirty dancing", and not engage in heavy "making out", among other rules. Catholics and Baptists would have similar lists I'm sure.
Samantha wrote:
>The sex itself is the least complicated part of it. All the
attendant hooks, complications, anxieties, expectations,
seeking, avoiding and so on are much more complex and can color
(and apparently do for most people) much of life. Just letting
go of the entire business now and then can be quite liberating.<
(end)
I actually think the "coloring" sex gives our lives can up to a point makes life richer. But I definitely see what you mean! lol When in college older friends warned me to "forget about women" and just focus on my studies. If it were only that easy! lol
Natasha replied:
Going on a sex fast can be liberating. Going on a food fast can be
liberating. It's been a healthy experience for me over my life.
(end)
Celibacy is finally being accepted in this form and I am happy about that. Also, it is more acceptable now for people to be virgins and not be made to feel "uncool" about it. I don't like the idea of people being pressured prematurely into what should be(at its best) one of the most special things human beings do.
I just want to close by saying I think human sexuality is a very beautiful and important thing, and I respect those like Mike Perry and Eliezer who have chosen to put that part of their life aside till the right time.
Sexuality would be an empty thing without the romance, love and affection which can make it sublime. I feel this does not come cheap, but instead is gained through the loyalty and deep intimacy of a committed relationship. I see marriage as the ideal form of this, though I realize today it is fraught with hazard and should not be entered into lightly.
I look at couples like Spike & Shelley and Max & Natasha as those who show that having a partner in life makes you stronger, not weaker.
very best wishes to all,
John
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