RE: Long term self-protection [was Re: BIAS: CNN commits fraud...]

From: Rafal Smigrodzki (rafal@smigrodzki.org)
Date: Mon May 19 2003 - 18:19:18 MDT

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    Robert Bradbury wrote:

    > There are at least two other individuals from time to
    > time contributing to this list (Aubrey de Grey and
    > Rafal Smigrodski) who I am sure have equivalent
    > knowledge bases and perhaps half a dozen individuals
    > I can think of who could rapidly develop such a
    > knowledge base. (So my perspective is hardly unique.)
    >
    > What Mike (and the congresspersons) seem to be
    > forgetting is that as we move into the future
    > the (historic) weapons debate may well become
    > pointless (sound and fury signifying nothing?).
    >
    > An interesting exercise for extropes might be to
    > consider -- "What fraction of individuals on
    > the Extropian list could I not easily defend
    > myself against should someone decide that I should
    > be toast?"

    ### Yes, I think I could (just as anybody with access to a lab and some
    handbooks) come up with something unpleasant (but to make a truly dangerous
    agent, especially something totally new, you'd need a lot of time and
    effort, I think).

    This brings me to the Ragged-Trousered Philosopher
    (http://www.fullmoon.nu/articles/art.php?id=tal), and his conversation with
    God (the God, not some poor poser):

    If you think the dangers of genetic warfare are serious, imagine discovering
    a secret thought or program, accessible to any intelligent individual,
    which, if abused, will eliminate your species instantly. If your progress
    continues as is, then you can expect to discover that particular
    self-destruct mechanism in less than 10,000 years. Your species has got to
    grow up considerably before you can afford to make that discovery. And if
    you don't make it, you will never leave your Solar System and join the rest
    of the sapient species on level two.'

    ### Well-worth reading.

    Let's hope his worries are unfounded, and we'll find ways of advancing to
    the next stage in development, without the fear of deadly attacks during the
    next Extro.

    Rafal

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