Re: PHIL/PSYCH: Algernon's Law vs. Einstein's Experience

James Rogers (jamesr@best.com)
Mon, 13 Jan 1997 02:27:25 -0800


At 09:31 PM 1/12/97 -0600, Eliezer wrote:
>"Extropian" refers to a bunch of people, more rocket scientists than
>cognitive scientists, who want to take over the Universe, improve their
>bodies, and *occasionally* you will run into an Extropian who wants to
>improve their minds.

Improving the body includes improving the mind, and to a limited extent,
even if no modifications are made directly to the brain itself. Besides, I
think *most* extropians want to improve their minds. In fact, I think this
is one of THE primary characteristics of extropians.

What good is universal power and physical omnipotence if the total
experience exceeds the useable bandwidth of the mind? Most of us recognize
the distinct need for more cognitive power and improved cognitive structure.
I know I do, and most of us already have more cognitive abilities than the
average person.

I might even go so far as to submit that cognitive improvements are the only
improvement of fundamental value, and by the same token are the limiting
factors to continued future advancements.

-James Rogers
jamesr@best.com