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

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