From: Simon Smith (simon_writes@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri Sep 06 2002 - 08:11:55 MDT
"...Last weekend, I introduced a friend to the ExI list (ie I let her
read all the most recent posts over the last month or so) because she
most definitely believes in the extropian principles but didn't know
there were any such groups as this one. I thought she would be delighted
to find some like-minds to talk to. She said, (I quote)..."This is a
list about politics, mostly american politics. I'm interested in
cryonics, longevity, calorie restriction, the possibility of uploading
and stuff. Okay, these subjects are mentioned sometimes, but I couldn't
wade through all that politics. It's like panning for gold, but there's
_so much_ sand!"
She didn't join.
...Would it not be possible to have a seperate list for political /
religious discussion so those of us not interested could stay off it?"
I think most people come to the Extropians and other Transhumanist
organizations because they believe in the rational application of technology
to create a better future, or they realize that the future will be radically
different and want to talk about this. It quickly becomes apparent, however,
and you should point this out to your friend, that politics (albeit not only
American, but that's okay because I'm Canadian) is extremely important. If
governments ban cryonics (the way British Columbia has) or mind uploading,
for example, discussing the technology of cryonics or mind uploading will
become intellectual masturbation. For Transhumanism to make any *real*
progress in the *real* world I think we have to address the political as
well as the technological.
Best,
Simon Smith
President
Toronto Transhumanist Association
http://toronto.transhumanism.com
Editor-in-Chief
Betterhumans
http://www.betterhumans.com
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