X-Message-Number: 20046 Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 22:55:44 -0700 From: "John Grigg" <> Subject: Progress stagnating... Mark Plus wrote: If progress stagnates, as seems likely unless we can find alternatives to petroleum in the next few years, then Transhumanism may be remembered, if at all, as a crank obsession that seemed plausible during the last flush of economic growth before the end of the fossil fuels age. (end) Last I heard petroleum reserves on this planet will last till at least 2030! lol And we already have alternatives out there, they just need to be implemented. Obviously, the oil mega-corporations would rather not see that happen for quite awhile. Transhumanism may be remembered as a crank obsession even if there is no energy crisis! It very well may be that a possible backlash against A.I., anti-aging research, and enhancing humans beyond the norm may not allow us to reach our lofty goals. Just look at the current problems regarding stem cell research. But there certainly is hope. Mark, I am sensing some 1970's era gloom and doom going on in you! lol Just keep this in mind, the somewhat darker side of human nature(competitiveness and territoriality) may just be what we need to see Transhumanism succeed. "If we don't develop these key technologies, the nation of ____ sure well, and we can't bear the thought of falling behind them, or even worse, being at their complete mercy!!" I think things will work out. And even if they don't, we will be going out with a louder than hell bang, and not a whimper. best wishes, John _____________________________________________________________ Play the Elvis Scratch & Win for your chance to instantly win $10,000 Cash - a 2003 Harley Davidson Sportster - 1 of 25,000 CD's - and more! http://r.lycos.com/r/sagel_mail_scratch_tl/http://win.ipromotions.com/lycos_020801/index.asp?tc=7087 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=20046