X-Message-Number: 17138 Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001 00:14:21 -0700 From: Mike Perry <> Subject: Self and Self-Worth (again), Compliments The "self" is clearly a complicated thing (if the concept is to have meaning). I don't think our knowledge and understanding are up to the task of elucidating it--yet. But I do think its mysteries will unravel in the future, and we'll find something nontrivial and beautiful, though perhaps to be approached with caution, like the thorn-bearing rose. To me one should value oneself (and other selves too, of course) but not make too big a deal about it. For a lot of purposes, just the thought that we (hopefully) have potentially infinite self-worth (all of us that is) is enough and I avoid worrying over the issue and go on to other things. Indeed, in my day-to-day existence I generally find myself (!) focusing on what I am doing rather than "who" is doing it, and thus in practical terms I agree with George Smith. But it does seem to me that the thought of ending up with a bad self-image intensifies certain behavior, for example, trying to avoid being inconsiderate (not that I claim to be perfect either). Another place that I think self-image plays a role is in the mindset I have as an immortalist. If "you" are to survive then it is (or will be) necessary to come to grips with what "you" really are (and are becoming, and want to approach in the limit of time). George Smith also raises the issue that non-immortalists may be said to have less worth than immortalists. Certainly it's tempting to conclude this (I resist anyway). One always hopes they can be cured of their mental malady before they self-destruct! Still another issue George raises is that a self-image could lead to states of depression as one ages and thinks of the younger, healthier and more capable version of the self that has now faded into the past. My answer is to invoke a simple, garden-variety immortalism. If I have a bad head cold, I am impaired both physically and mentally, but I know it's temporary and don't worry overmuch. Aging, if things go as they should, should only be temporary and eventually cured too, so in an important way it's like the bad cold, even if much more slow and grim. Some very bad things could accompany aging too, but these things, including severe brain damage, could happen earlier in life as well. I don't claim that immortalism is a psychological cure-all, but think it will generally be of assistance here. Finally, Michael LaTorra pays me some compliments, appreciated, on my book and philosophy, suggesting that perhaps I have some special "worth" of my own (!). Over the long haul, though, we are all in the same boat worth-wise (once again, if things go as I think they should and hopefully will). Finite now, infinite potential. Let's go for it! Mike Perry Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=17138