X-Message-Number: 20178 From: "Mark Plus" <> Subject: The non-inevitability of progress Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2002 19:32:20 -0700 Refer to: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/story.hts/space/1587265 Arthur C. Clarke is disappointed that progress in manned space travel has stagnated. Just goes to show that "Progress" isn't some kind of cosmic force, but rather is a socially constructed process that requires considerable initiative & investment to sustain. So don't be disappointed if we don't experience a technological "Singularity" in 30 years or so. A global depression combined with the spread of social chaos around the world could postpone a lot of technologically doable projects indefinitely. Mark Plus It's not "religious" or "science fictional" if you can do it. _________________________________________________________________ Join the world s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=20178