From: Natasha Vita-More (natasha@natasha.cc)
Date: Fri Feb 14 2003 - 12:36:38 MST
At 03:33 PM 2/14/03 +0200, Amara wrote:
>One point of the above essay is that the positive 'stories' come not
>externally imposed from the outside, but from the individual exploring
>their internal life stories. Already existing mythic templates can
>provide clues and aid you from other human's experiences. Future mythic
>templates naturally emerge on their own if enough clear voices are heard
>to forge a cohesive path in a particular set of transhuman life
>experiences.
>
>>
>>Transhumanism can of course be clothed in the same mythical
>>narrative, but the risk is that one looks more at the heroism
>>than the practical results - it is a basically romantic notion
>>looking more to ethos and pathos than logos.
>
>True, but I sense that the world could use a few more positive images,
>and a few more heroes could aid in that. How one responds to or uses
>those positive images practically in one's own life is yet another issue.
Let me offer a different take. Over the years, heros have become the
"every (hu)man" and the histrionics of mythic heros have been singled out
in the storylines from favored stories to movies. What Joseph Campbell
explored was the hero within us. Through examining the world's complex and
interwoven mythology, we can discover the accession of humanness.
Transhumanism is about the individual and our journey in becoming more than
human. While we have looked to superhumanize the human, we now pursue a
more pragmatic course. A contemporary approach would be realize the
individual as a mentor, therefore lessening the aggrandizement of mythic
heros and acknowledging human will. Individuals who exemplify the
characteristics of the hero - fearlessness, compassion, generosity and,
above all, a passion to fight for what is right.
Thank you Amara for applying the humanitarian characteristics of heros to
the individual as exemplar characteristics of transhumans.
Natasha
Natasha Vita-More
----------
http://www.natasha.cc
President, Extropy Institute
http://www.extropy.org
Founder, Transhumanist Arts & Culture
http://www.extropic-art.com - http://www.transhumanist.biz
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