Re: Can You Live Forever? Esquire article

J. R. Molloy (jr@shasta.com)
Mon, 10 May 1999 23:23:27 -0700

From: Natasha Vita-More <natasha@natasha.cc>
>I will have to debate this with you, J.R. Wilson is talking about anything
>nonbiological, I believe. I take his "ancient heritage" as meaning our
>human biology and remaining the same species. Why doesn't he recognize
>that it is part of human nature to change ourselves, not that it is
>unnatural to do so.

Wilson aptly names the part of human nature which would change itself, "Homo proteus, or
'shapechanger man.'" Consequently, he shows himself as one who does indeed recognize the naturalness of changing ourselves.

>Indeed, we must be vigilant in using careful planning and respect for our
>environment. Albeit, this does not prevent us from using our intelligence
>to plan and progress wisely.

Wilson recommends that we use our intelligence to prevent the catastrophe which will result if we do not change our course. He favors the beginning of environmental restoration.

>Technological augmentations in extending life maximally will alter biology
>forever. Introducing new concepts broadens the ecology, thus altering it.

Wilson, I think, would agree.

Cheers,

--J. R.
CEE CEE Rider:
Conservative Existential Empiricist
Consilient Extropian Environmentalist