That was a really great post - I didn't quote it in the interests of space. On a side note, I wonder if further research in areas such as quantum physics and consciousness will break down the dichotomies between matter and spirit, subjective and objective.
Much of the Extropian program - such as life extension, body modification and mind-computer interaction aspects, seem to many people as a way of mechanizing humanity. I see it as humanizing technology, actually - but more than that, I see it as a sort of modern Alchemy.
If one sees Alchemy as an ancient symbolic dialogue where the Alchemist strives to transform him/herself works in and through the material world, I think there are intriguing similarities.