From: E. Shaun Russell (e_shaun@uniserve.com)
Date: Wed May 28 1997 - 08:32:20 MDT
Anders wrote:
>> So, no, altruism need not be the primary goal of an Extropian way of
>> thinking but it certainly should be pressing on the minds of those
>> that are claiming a post human destiny and it should show up in their
>> lifestyle.
>
>I think many extropians would agree with me that an altruistic way of
>behaving can be based on ultimately selfish (i.e. seeking to maximize
>personal utility) motivations
Indeed. When people claim to be altruists or push the values of
altruism I am immediately suspicious. The first thing I question is their
reasoning for unencumbered benevolence...nine times out of ten, they will be
doing it to make themselves look better. Same with charity, same with
sacrifice. People tend to find solace in doing what is "socially
acceptable" like giving money to the poor or donating blood. Often the
reasons aren't because they sincerely want the poor man to have a coffee, or
to add to the diminishing blood bank, but to glorify themselves for what
they are doing. They try to make themselves heroes of a sort.
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E. Shaun Russell Poet, Musician, Extropic Artist.
=========================> Transhumanities editor for Homo Excelsior:
Kineticize your potential. http://www.excelsior.org
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