X-Message-Number: 11118
Date: Sat, 16 Jan 1999 17:04:52 +0100
From:  (John de Rivaz)
Subject: Re: One Twentieth of a Second

If we only live for the moment, 1/20 of a second, or even for one day, and 
a slightly different form of the same individual appears during the next 
time interval, we would still consider this form of existance preferable to 
being annihilated.

Nevertheless, understanding of what it is that makes us *seem* to be the 
same person with continuity could give insight into how to preserve that 
continuity whilst science catches up with the problems of disease and 
ageing.

Also, maybe it is an unconscious awareness (right or wrong) that each day is 
a little life and each sleep period a little death that makes people less 
woried about total annhilation of the crematorium or grave. Consider how 
many ellipses for death involve the mis-use of the words involved with 
sleep. ("*Rest* in peace" etc)

-- 
Sincerely,     * Longevity Report:  http://www.longevb.demon.co.uk/lr.htm
John de Rivaz  * Fractal Report:    http://www.longevb.demon.co.uk/fr.htm
**************** Homepage:http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/JohndeR
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        because giving information does not decrease your information.

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