From: Michael S. Lorrey (mike@lorrey.com)
Date: Wed Jun 02 1999 - 07:10:28 MDT
"Eliezer S. Yudkowsky" wrote:
> We(*) don't think about it anymore, do we? There's something terribly
> sad about the fact that a race can become so used to death and death and
> death that it has to be nearby, or spectacular, for it to be a tragedy.
> To regain your perspective, read this excellent article in The Onion:
>
> http://www.theonion.com/onion3521/millions_dead.html
While The Onion can be humerous at times, this is a very sobering satire,
although I am sure most people will just not get it. This does bring to mind one
concern I have about immortality: If we acheive it, will we loose the ability to
defend ourselves with deadly force as a result? If it is seen as common that all
are immortal, and that immortality is some sort of right, would not imposing
death of any kind be seen as too excessive to allow as a punishment for a crime
or for a defense against a criminal in the act. Thoughts, anyone?
Mike Lorrey
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