Max More <max@maxmore.com> writes:
> I think this came from Hungary. (an ".hu" email address). Pretty
> compelling argument! ;-)
OK, analysing something like this is in itself an exercise in
silliness or too much seriousness. But I think it reveals something
about the memes we have to struggle against, and I am a tired swede
for the moment :-). The core of the confused mail seems to be that 1)
being a cyborg is not fun, 2) extropianism seeks to turn everybody
into cyborgs.
1 is of course open to argument, but I think we can make a pretty good
case based on our views of self-enhancement, living
designed/deliberate lives and individual growth that at least some
people will find being a cyborg great. This goes against the
"humanism" often expressed that there is something particularly good
about the current human condition.
2 is based on the common view that any ideology has to prescribe
behavior for not just its adherents but everyone else too. While we
might have views on universal principles, I don't think any currently
existing branch of transhumanism seriously proposes imposing itself on
non-transhumanists (it would go very deeply against the same
individual autonomy and freedom that transhumanism tries to
enhance). It is basically the classical liberal view that there is a
private morality for everyone; after we have settled on the public
morality needed to keep our societies working it should not be
extended into the private moral sphere. But many people are so used to
ideologies claiming the right to regulate everything and everyone,
that they have a hard time recognising just how tolerant transhumanism
is.
> >Hi!
> >
> >Youa are mad, if you think tha it's good to be a cyborg.If
> >you want to be do it yourself, but don't give the chance to
> >other people, who don't know what to do with their lives
> >and they think it's fun.Because IT'S NOT! Whay do everyone
> >wants to be a computer? Why do everyone tries to put an end
> >to humanity? I can't really understand, but you will win!
> >You idiot! Bye!
-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Anders Sandberg Towards Ascension! asa@nada.kth.se http://www.nada.kth.se/~asa/ GCS/M/S/O d++ -p+ c++++ !l u+ e++ m++ s+/+ n--- h+/* f+ g+ w++ t+ r+ !y
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