I plan to live a good long time so I thoroughly expect to see many of
these things. I don't think our problem for the next decade or two
(which I will certainly live through) is going to be breakthroughs. The
problem will be dealing with the breakthroughs quickly and wisely enough
to stay afloat and steer somewhat in a direction we want to go. I agree
that working for the breakthroughs comes before projects that can't
really work without some of those breakthroughs. That's logical.
If we knew this planet was slated to be sterilized by some impact in 10
years you would see a mobilization of cash and resources such as this
world has never seen. I am not so cynical as to believe that we would
not care in such extreme circumstances.
- samantha
John Marlow wrote:
>
> Addendum: It's fine to devote your time--even your life--to this
> stuff, and in fact if and when the breakthrough comes that's all to
> the better (the plans will have been laid in advance, assuming
> they're applicable). Just so long as you realize, it's likely never
> gonna happen, and even more likely not in your lifetime.
>
> jm
>
> On 30 Jan 2001, at 23:20, John Marlow wrote:
>
> > >
> > > Mr. Marlow, you're a tough one to figure. I'm ready to stop trying.
> > >
> >
> > Just think it's more productive to focus on things that don't require
> > the entire first world to go into debt for financing. Transhuman tech
> > efforts--one man or woman can do something meaningful, perhaps
> > stupendous. Nanotech efforts--the benefits (even of small steps) are
> > such that companies and governments will pursue it. Colonies on Mars?
> > Hey, I'm for it--but gimme a break. No one's gonna finance it. If we
> > found out a rock was gonna pulverize this planet in ten years...no
> > one would finance it.
> >
> > jm
> >
> >
> > On 30 Jan 2001, at 22:25, Michael M. Butler wrote:
> >
> > > Furiously dreaming colorless green ideas forced someone appearing to be
> > > John Marlow to write:
> > >
> > > > You know, I'll probably get all kinds of flak for this, but...
> > > <snip>
> > > > The chances that we're ever gonna make it off this rock in any
> > > > meaningful way are a billion to one, to be kind.
> > >
> > > No, this isn't worth all kinds of flak. A simple "your negativity
> > > underwhelms me" will suffice.
> > > That, and "Computed how, precisely?" --only I know the answer, so save
> > > your fingers.
> > >
> > > Mr. Marlow, you're a tough one to figure. I'm ready to stop trying.
> > >
> >
> >
> > John Marlow
> >
>
> John Marlow
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Mon May 28 2001 - 09:56:27 MDT