X-Message-Number: 8331
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997 20:33:32 -0800
From:  (American Cryonics Society)
Subject: When (not) to Come Back?

In Message #8325 Justin asks:

"With cryonics, what if your brought back during a war, or some other
disaster?  How do you know that something like that won't happen when your
brought back w/cryonics?

Justin"



My reply:

Hello Justin and all,

It has been a while since someone has ask this question, so: "Good question
Justin, I'm glad you asked!"

It is of great concern to people who have made suspension arrangements as
to just when and where they will be brought back and under what
circumstances.  It is also sometimes a source of jokes.  (see accompanying
posting)

In the movies it is often *because* of a war or impending disaster that the
hero is brought back.  He is likely revived naked, handed a gun, and given
his mission.  Don't knock it; if it is be revived to fight for the American
way, or spend eternity in the tank (or elsewhere), I'll take up the cudgels
for all that is just and holy any time.

Most of us want to be reanimated just as soon as is possible.  We would
rather be on the outside of the tank looking in than...(you get the
picture!).  This fact raises some interesting questions itself.  For
example: what if, in 70 years, we can have a "pretty good version" of you
restored?  Do we hop to it?  Or should we wait, say another 50 years hoping
to perfect the procedure to have "a better version?"  There is always some
risk in waiting: we might have that war or disaster which could makes
revival impossible.  Yet do you really want to have the "pretty good
version" walking around spending your money, bringing flowers to your girl,
and spending Mothers Day with your (revived) mom?

Our critics sometimes paint a dark picture of the future: we will be up to
our pecks in pornography, pestilence, pollution, and politicians.   The
future is not a place, which we can so describe.  It is a series of places
(and there are even places within those places).  Some places may be just
pretty horrific.  Others will be the kind of environment you can raise a
family in.  Kick off yur shoes and sit a spell.  I have to trust the
American Cryonics Society not to set me smack dab into some future where I
will be uncomfortable.  If there is a war on folks, unless it looks like my
reanimated self needs to run like hell, hold on for a bit.  No need to be
in too much of a hurry.  I can wait.  After all, I've got no appointments.

Let me throw the question back to you.  What would you do, Justin, if you
were in charge of the reanimation team, and there came along a war?  Do you
and your clients sit tight and wait out the shooting?  Do you move your
charges to a safer place, say the far side of the moon?  Or do you
reanimate everyone in sight, (or try to at least), give each of the
reanimees a suit, a hundred dollar bill, a gun, and then push them out the
door?  Running a cryonics society ain't for sissies!

Long life,

Jim Yount

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American Cryonics Society                 (415)254-2001
                      FAX (415)967-4444
P.O. Box 1509
Cupertino, CA 95015
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