X-Message-Number: 17488 From: "Gary Tripp" <> Subject: the eye of history Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2001 11:37:08 -0400 I believe that cryonics will be much more acceptable in the near future than it is now and the degree of this acceptance will correspond directly to progress in vitrification research. In the far future historians will look back upon those engaged in the progress of cryonics today and measure our actions by the standards of an advanced humanity. In that context everything we say or do will be thoroughly scrutinized. Consequently, if our courageous and forward looking friend James Swayze should die without cryonic suspension, we would be viewed in a rather unfavourable light. Denied even the possibility of helping himself yet possessing an intelligent and forward looking mind, his death without suspension would testify to the callous nature of a community devoid of moral compass. Those individuals who have stood up to be counted and, in so doing, seized the high moral ground will be remembered in a very different light. I'm thinking in particular of Robert Ettinger whose compassion and vision will earn him a special place in history. In this digest I have seen many posts questioning the motives of an advanced future society in "reviving" those who would be suspended in this age. Perhaps this future society will review our record, look askance at such hopes and apply a little moral reciprocity. /gary Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=17488