Re: Definitions for Transhumanism

Max More (maxmore@primenet.com)
Sat, 11 Apr 1998 11:21:55 -0700

At 02:31 PM 4/11/98 +0200, Anders wrote:
>Eugene Leitl <eugene@liposome.genebee.msu.su> writes:
>
>>
>> If we were not unhappy, there would be zero impetus to change. No impetus
>> to change in an coevolutionary context guarantees failure before long.
>
>Very odd. I feel very happy, and I feel a big impetus to change. Would
>I feel an even more intense impetus if I was unhappy? I doubt it; the
>times I have felt unhabppy haven't motivated me as much as when I have
>been happy to do something. [...]
>
>Of course, I might be unrepresentative of humanity but I hope it isn't
>so.

I agree with you Anders. I feel most motivated to improve when I'm feeling
*good*. Perhaps we should distinguish unhappiness from dissatisfaction. I'm
never satisfied with who I am and where I am and so seek improvement, but
that doesn't mean I'm unhappy. Dissatisfaction can co-exist with happiness
if you have the capacity to see how you (and your situation) could be
better. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the way you are now. I explained
this point at more length not long ago when asked by an audience member in
Madrid if transhumanists are all unhappy because they seek change.

Max

Max More, Ph.D.
more@extropy.org
UPDATED WEBSITE: New essays, new photos: http://www.primenet.com/~maxmore
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