I think by the time you might be able to achieve something that really approaches immortality (just making your body live for a long time is not what I mean here.. I mean total immunity to accidents, nukes, planet destruction, etc.), it won't matter so much. And until something approaching that level of immortality exists, I think most people will just consider themselves to have longer than normal lives, but otherwise still just the same.
On the other hand, I would like it very much if some kind of "right to life-extension" was added to our constitution (USA). Sometimes the FDA and other pieces of government get in the way of things that we want...
"Michael S. Lorrey" wrote:
>
> "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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