Re: Is anyone interested in immortality for all?

Delvieron@aol.com
Fri, 5 Mar 1999 07:03:25 EST

Is anyone interested in immortality for all?

Well, as a matter of fact, I am.

Anders, I believe you expressed the concern that the concept of immortality for all might encourage passivity. I agree this is a serious concern. For those who would like immortality for all, I suggest the following philosophical stance.

1) I want there to be some agency providing immortality for all.
2) I do not have any strong proof that there is such an agency.
3) Therefore, I should have the following goals.
  1. Discover a means to provide immortality for all.
  2. Ensure that someone is providing immortality for all.

This, I believe, is an approach to the goal of immortality for all which incorporates the Extropian principles of Practical Optimism and Rational Thinking.
In a way, there is an implied agreement between those who are pursuing immortality for all, that if I don't make it, you'll bring me back. An existential mutual defense treaty. And the hope is, that if enough people hold this goal and try enough approaches, someone might find a way to do. Indeed, someone might do it before you, but until you know that, you've still got to work on the project.

Glen Finney