Re: Extropianism in the media

Max More (maxmore@primenet.com)
Sun, 4 Aug 1996 12:51:42 -0700 (MST)

At 11:42 AM 8/4/96 -0400, GBurch1@aol.com wrote:
>
>To a certain extent, the "problem" arises from a misunderstanding of the=
role
>of compassion in the extropian world-view. As I've written on the >H list,
>there is *nothing* in the extropian philosophy that is inconsistent with
>compassion. My vision of my own self-transformation does not include
>"leaving compassion behind" by any means; far from it. I would hope my
>capacity for pathos would be magnified along with every other capcity of=
the
>mind.

The role of compassion and benevolence deserves far more emphasis and
discussion. I recently read David Kelley's Unrugged Individualism: The
Selfish Basis of Benevolence". Kelley, of the Institute for Objectivist
Studies, is one of the more open Objectivists. I found this booklet to be
one of the most sensible, practical, and rational discussions of ethics I've
read. (And I've read a lot!)

This booklet will probably be reviewed for Extropy #18 (the one after the
issue currently in production). Kelley argues that benevolence should be
regarded as a major virtue, and shows the rationality (based on a
self-interested pursuit of life and flourishing) of civility, generosity,
and sensitivity.

Upward and Outward!

Max

Max More, Ph.D. maxmore@primenet.com =20
http://www.primenet.com/~maxmore
President Extropy Institute (ExI)
Editor Extropy
310-398-0375
http://www.primenet.com/~maxmore/extropy.htm

"I have never lost that humility of soul which is the mark of the truly
great man." =97 A. Crowley