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

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