Re: Planetary SETI: What _should_ we be looking for?

Alex Future Bokov (alexboko@umich.edu)
Sun, 25 Jul 1999 23:31:27 -0400 (EDT)

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On Sun, 25 Jul 1999, Eugene Leitl wrote:

> Then the more expansive cultures will win.

Brilliant.

The significance of this last comment extends way beyond the current discussion. It applies especially to contemporary progressive politics, where what started in the 60's as a reasonable critique of European and American colonialism has today mushroomed into a virulent hatred of any form of growth, adventure, or expansion... yes, I am talking about Political Correctness.

The nanotech civilization analogy points out just how absurd this position is in the long term. There is always power, always growth, and with them, inequality. Abdicating power in favour of voluntary simplicity and quiet contemplation does not abolish it. Merely presents it on a silver platter to someone more ruthless and hungry than you.

Sorry to go off topic. I just couldn't ignore this sudden crystallization of just what it is that bugs me about today's "radical" politics.

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