X-Message-Number: 11218
Date: Wed, 03 Feb 1999 07:44:02 -0800
From: Mark Galecki <>
Subject: how to tame the "weirdness" of cryonics:  an idea

Hello cryonet,

I have been involved in cryonics for several years, but this is my first
posting here.  I have just started dating a wonderful woman of my dreams,
and decided to tell her about cryonics, which occupies a central part in my
personal profile, quickly, so we can still "backpedal" before things get
too complicated.  

I rehearsed mentally and recited flawlessly, but then she did not say
anything, and I had not prepared further contingencies.  My mind, forced to
come up in a few seconds with a rescue, in a mad scramble, created the
following idea.

Most people hope for another life, or some kind of continuation, after
death.  This enhances their joy of life and adds meaning to it.  Most
people do this through the concept of "God" or religion.  God created them,
theywill behave according to his (her?) concept of good, then IT (yes,
let's better use "it") will "save" them, from death, that is, and bring
them eternal life.  

Well, I said, cryonicists are no different.  I don't believe in God;  I
believe in evolution and science.  Evolution created me, I will behave
myself well according to rational, scientific principles (not smoke,
exercise, drive carefully, restrict calories, use best available approach
to brain information preservation - cryonics), then hopefully I will be
saved, too.  

See, this is very similar.  Everybody wants to get from point A to point B.
 I drive a Honda and you drive a Ford.  I believe in Honda and you believe
in Ford.  But the goal is the same.  In short, we all want to save our
sorry asses and not die.  

Now, I submit to you that both methods are unproven, and it is at least
debatable which has better prospects.  If the religious enjoy widespread
acceptance of their method, then I should too.  


I think this may be a good way to tame the "weirdness" of cryonics to many
people.

Mark Galecki
PS.  And, I am happy to mention, it worked in this case (even though she is
not religious).

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