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Date: Thu, 15 Sep 88 12:37:49 EDT
From: "Carl F. Huber" <>
Posted-Date: Thu, 15 Sep 88 12:37:49 EDT
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Subject: CRYONICS
Status: RO

Kevin,
	Here are a few questions and topics I am concerned, interested in.
I would like to have and to hear some discussion regarding the individual and
mass psychology of life extension and time travel.  I see the issues as
centering around economics, and the primary question is, how do we decide who
gets to go?  When the time comes that cryonic (or other) life extension is made
possible, and the issue is no longer 'if', what will be the sentiment of the
(I predict) many people who will not have the privilege, due to financial
circumstances.  
	You pointed out that the cost of cryonic suspension compares 
favorably with the cost of a heart transplant, but I don't think they are
really in the same league.  Heart transplants mostly save people who are
dying 'prematurely', as measured by today's typical life span, and do not
allow people to live beyond what is still a normal life expectancy, if that.
Also, the people who can benefit from a heart transplant are still a large

minority of the population.  When significant life _extension_ becomes possible,
almost everyone in the world would at least be eligible by physical capacity
to benefit from it.
	So the questions and issues are :
	1.  How do we decide who get's life extension,
		assuming everyone can't?
	2.  How will people feel about those who get to go?  This includes
		the people of the future who are around when cryons are
		waking up.  How will these people feel about those who got
		life extension in the past, are here now, but they themselves
		can't go?
	3.  How will cryons (what are they called, anyway?) fit into the
		future society?  What will their obligations be, if any?
		How will they take care of themselves, make a living, etc.?
		(Historians?)  What will their psychological obstacles be
		in associating with people of the future?  Will their
		old fashioned notions of how the world works be a problem?
		What should they do before they go to prepare for their
		arrival?
Well, that may be enough for now.  My general tack should be evident from
these questions.  I have heard a great deal about the possibility and
feasibility of life extension, and I don't have any doubts about that.  I
believe the next important thing, before the technology becomes completely
available, is to prepare for it.

-cheers,
Carl Huber

[ Carl, thanks for the questions.  I'll have to think about these for a few
  days before offering any replies.  Has anyone else thought through any of
  these issues? - Kevin Q. Brown ]

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