<< Robin Hanson wrote:
but why not find a way of changing our emotional state into that "noble"
state - of humility and resignation or whatever - directly, rather than go
through the inefficient and horrendous process of getting to that state
through having long series of painful experiences. That would be lot more
transhumanist in my book
(end) >>
Robin. First of all: we are assuming that one a "results" oriented person
vs. a "process" oriented one. The road vs. the goal, etc. Many of us would
not want to give up our life paths, even if they were painful.
Also, If such a thing were possible, perhaps by implanting memories or just
rerouting, it would lose it's value IMO. What was viewed once as "noble" or
"calm" would be closer to "flat" and "unmovable". Even more to the point,
there is the removal of goal of nobility and wisdom to get us THROUGH pain,
which would make us horrifically unprepared should any real pain occur.
Lastly there is the spiritual growth which occurs, which tunes the body and
mind to "being" what one is.
You would not recieve the results you expected, I bet.
In a message dated 2/22/2000 11:16:23 PM Pacific Standard Time,
starman125@hotmail.com writes:
<< You could choose the wrong one's? A person might decide early
on that ambition and status are key and create a driving and relentless
personality. They might never or too late realize how at least for them
this was a mistake. I would still take the chance for myself but try to be
balanced in my approach.
>>
And here is a good point. If we can "choose" our wisdom when we are too young
to know what it is (before our pain causes growth) would we be equipped to
choose the correct "nobility" that fits our life? Or do we get it
pre-scribed by a neuro-shrink, or some kindly AI? Our parents? We then are
into an area I find highly disturbing.
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