Re: Sacred Cows

E. Shaun Russell (e_shaun@uniserve.com)
Tue, 29 Oct 1996 11:08:39 -0800 (PST)


At 29/10/96, Eric Watt Forste wrote:

>The idea that things *will* get better in our future is of course
>a variety of blind faith. Isn't that why we like to talk about
>dynamic optimism instead? A mild take on dynamic optimism is that
>it simply claims that we are *certain* to fail in finding solutions
>to our problems if we give up seeking those solutions. Dynamic
>optimism is no guarantee that solutions will be found; it is simply
>a motivating principle that keeps us seeking solutions.

<big snip>

This is the first post I have made in a while, due to the lack of
[what I see as] intelligent and relevant >H conversation a.k.a: noise.
Anyhow, I agree with what Eric is alluding to. I think that this principle
is probably the most open to interpretation of the five. There needs to be
a balance between dynamic optimism and progress enacted (best dope it
so???). At *any* cost, we must prevent dynamic optimism from becoming
'wishful thinking'. Make dreams --lofty or mere-- of an extropian nature
into reality. There is a quote by George Bernard Shaw, and though the exact
words of it escape me, this is its gist: "The men who dream at night do just
that --dream, but the men who dream at day are the ones who can turn their
dreams into reality." I hope that all on this list dream in the day. Seek
solutions, don't just dream about them.

Ingredi Externus!

-E. Shaun Russell

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E. Shaun Russell Extropian poet\musician
e_shaun@uniserve.com
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