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

 


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