Re: Defining Transhumanism

From: Bernard Hughes (bjhughes@istar.ca)
Date: Thu Oct 22 1998 - 08:48:20 MDT


Hara Ra wrote:

> The phrase 'no longer be "human'' is an immediate turnoff for most of the
> people I know. Also, as we change, so will the meaning of the term "human".
> How about:
>
> Transhumanism is the idea that new technologies are likely
> to change the world and ourselves in so many ways that the
> term "human" will be deeply transformed.
>

 I agree its a turnoff for many people. But for me, it speaks to a core belief
which I hope is common to the group. Humanity is not the peak and pinnacle of
all that possible, just a step on the path. Its acceptence of this wider range
of possibility that attracts me to this group. Fudging that in the interest of
public relations seems to be going too far. Lets face it, radical ideas are
scary.

 I just read Max's latest Extropian Principles, and think he has done a nice
job of expressing a radical belief without being too agressive about it. If that
is too much for people, they are likely not ready to hear the message yet.

Bernard

--
Bernard J Hughes   bernard@timedancer.com
Timedancer Systems http://www.timedancer.com
 -- Creative Laziness at its best --


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