X-Message-Number: 10957
From: "Timur Rozenfeld" <>
Subject: Self-esteem
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1998 09:05:49 -0700

To George Smith:

I agree with your use of the self-esteem definition of Branden. That is the
definition I have used as well.

Regarding action, To live is to engage in goal directed action. And because
one selects a standard, it is hardly "arbitrary". In general, I believe
there are many contradictions in your arguments. There is much more to write
on this subject and I think we are getting way off the topic of cryonics.
This might not be the appropriate place to engage in a discussion of
psychology and philosophy and there are way too many issues to discuss.
Although my first tendency would be to engage in a lengthy debate, I will
refrain from doing so...

Just as you want us to be open to the facts that self-acceptance is all and
that machines will be able to do everything that humans can do, I invite you
to be open to the possibility that self-esteem is a vital component to human
happiness (and I won't get into a debate of what that entails), that
happiness is not determined by some arbitrary whims, and that perhaps
machines may not be able to do everything we humans can. If you agree to
accept the *possibility*, then I withdraw my remarks on your tone and humbly
apologize.

Regards,

Timur

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