From: E. Shaun Russell (e_shaun@uniserve.com)
Date: Tue Sep 03 1996 - 13:18:30 MDT
On 02/09/96 -0600, Ira Brodsky wrote:
>My question: do extropians necessarily believe the universe will reach a
>steady-state? Or is the end so far off it can be ignored? Or, as I would
>like to believe, will we conquer this universe and just move on to the next
>one?
I think this question will vary from individual to individual.
Personally, I believe that there is no end to the universe. In fact, I
*hope* that there is no end to the universe. If there is no end to the
universe, there is always farther to go. More to strive for. If it were
discovered that there was indeed an end, then that would be a limit. The
stereotypical question: 'where do we go from here' would have a brutal
answer: 'nowhere'. That would definately be the most depressing day for me,
and probably many others as well.
As for 'conquering' this universe and moving on to the next, again I
hope not. The word 'conquering' doesn't sit well with me in the first place.
Why conquer? Discovery is far more important than actually 'taking
something over'; much like an idea is more important than the final product.
Hence, transhumanism and extropianism. Insight to the future. The idea of
'ingredi externus' (a Latin term I often use meaning 'go beyond') is more
important than the product ordained. Without an idea, there can be no creation.
Libertarianism is basically the 'politic of freedom'. Man can only
be free if there is no limit to the lengths he can go, ie: if the universe
has no end, there is no limit that can't be nullified.
-E. Shaun
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"When I sitting heard the asronomer where he lectured with much
applause in the lecture room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander'd off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look'd up in perfect silence at the stars."
-By Walt Whitman
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