Re: Nanotech has gone mainstream

Chris Fedeli (fedeli@email.msn.com)
Sat, 27 Mar 1999 20:48:26 -0500

Bryan Moss wrote:

>The reason Drexler is shunned and Feynman is not is because Feynman never
produced wide-eyed science fiction scenarios where the technology he proposed created a near-utopia society. I happen to think that this is a damn good reason to shun a fellow scientist.

I think It's a damn shame. Why would scientists turn their backs on a colleague who branches out into speculative public policy? From the standpoint of law and politics, Drexler's contribution has already had enormous impact, and if the world doesn't erupt in bloody hysteria when the first applications of nanotechnology are developed then we'll all have him to thank.

I find it deplorable that some of Drexler's less talented fellows would be so niggardly as to deprive him of his well deserved acclaim in the only way that they can - by citing to Feynman instead of him. Dissapointing as it is, this report just reinforces the notion that scientists always make the worst politicians.

Chris