From: E. Shaun Russell (e_shaun@uniserve.com)
Date: Mon Sep 04 2000 - 19:32:01 MDT
Daniel Ust wrote:
>
>That said, how many on this list see planetary colonization is necessary or
>desirable? I tend to think once we get to space, we should stay there and
>not be anchored to any large rocks. See my web page for more on my views
>in this area.
Space travel and planetary colonization is not only desirable, but a
necessary step in the evolution of mankind and our inventions. Since
progress in technology is being made in a broad, non-linear fashion (e.g.:
progress in nanotech is coinciding with progress in biotech, cybernetics,
enhanced computation etc.), it is logical to expect the same out of space
programs. While the combination of advanced VR-based communications with
widespread GM agriculture will make physical location and overpopulation
less of an issue, colonizing other planets will extend the survival and
continuation of our species in a physical form. While I am by no means a
doomsayer around technology, there is a legitimate possibility of
technological error in the future, regardless of the refinement level. As
a species, it makes more sense to have large amounts of space between
colonies.
The desire to explore, expand, create and procreate are all very core to
the essence of humanity. So is survival. I have a feeling that regardless
of what technologies occur in the next century, these five basics will be
conveyed into posthumanity. It has shown itself through history (e.g.: did
Columbus really *need* to seek out a new "route to India") and will likely
continue until the heat death of the universe...and maybe longer.
~Space is the place for a posthuman race.~
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E. Shaun Russell | Extropian, Musician, ExI Member
e_shaun@uniserve.com | Owner of NWExtropians Group:
--------------------- http://www.eGroups.com/group/NWExtropians
*Editor of ExtroDot *Editor of TransDot
http://www.extrodot.org http://www.transhuman.memetree.com
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Hear my music at: http://www.mp3.com/eshaunrussell
Read my poetry at: http://www.therecord.net/e_shaun
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