From: Robin Hanson (rhanson@gmu.edu)
Date: Thu Jun 07 2001 - 12:03:36 MDT
Some of the more literate folks on the list probably already know this, but
I was surprised to learn that in ~1870, Samuel Butler in his book "Eerewhon"
had a rather sophisticated discussion of how the future belongs to the
machine descendants of humans. The book is about a visitor to a fictional
land which banned progress for fear of this, and this indirection seems
intended to make it harder to figure out Butler's views. But I think I
don't have to read too far between the lines to see that Butler
approved of machines taking over.
Butler also, about 1870 mind you, describes the rise of the psychiatric
profession, which he calls "straighteners," and the rise of animal rights,
which I think he disapproves.
He describes excessive useless schooling, and academics who avoid clearly
stating their positions, don't want students to think for themselves,
and who warn that reason is too harsh and extreme.
He also has a nice discussion comparing "musical banks" to regular banks.
People say the former are so much more valuable than the later, but in
actuality put little resources into them. He describes how the real
charity is to earn a high wage, which shows how valuable you are to the
world.
Robin Hanson rhanson@gmu.edu http://hanson.gmu.edu
Asst. Prof. Economics, George Mason University
MSN 1D3, Carow Hall, Fairfax VA 22030-4444
703-993-2326 FAX: 703-993-2323
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