X-Message-Number: 9435 Date: Thu, 09 Apr 98 16:28:09 From: Mike Perry <> Subject: Re: CryoNet #9425 Charles Platt writes, > There are many reasons for > doubting my chances as a cryopatient: > and then goes on to list 8 reasons, followed by "I could go on." One of these reasons is how good or bad the freezing process is from the technical point of view, i.e. whether it is likely that cryopatients can be resuscitated given present (and past) techniques of cryopreservation and future technology (the "technical problem"). The rest of the reasons have to do with social, political, economic, religious, etc. issues (the "social problem"). Both categories are important of course; both contribute to uncertainty about our future as frozen patients. The technical problem is being addressed as best we can, mainly, at present, through the work at 21CM. It has the serious attention of some hard hitters in the cryonics community, and it looks as if the necessary research will go forward at a reasonable pace, with efforts being made to attract more funding, etc. We don't want to be lulled into a false complacency, but I find the outlook reassuring: by appearances, what is humanly possible is getting done. (And I happen to be cautiously optimistic about the prospects of even today's cryopatients, though recognizing that more research is badly needed.) For the social problem though, I think we are still in an infantile stage. It's not an easy problem to address, nor is it insignificant: In addition to the technical revolution we are counting on, we will need a revolution in worldviews. It is possible that the former cannot happen until the latter is fairly far along, which could indeed jeopardize our chances. To mount a successful revolution in worldviews, I think we will have to offer something that is better and more reassuring than what people have already. There are groups like the Extropians and the Venturists that are trying, in various ways, to address this problem. So far I think our efforts fall well short of requirements. A good piece of fiction like Jim Halperin's novel *The First Immortal* is another stab at this, and also has merits but it remains to be seen if this will bring about any massive conversions to immortalism. Then there's my book, *Forever for All*, which I hope to have in reviewers' hands soon, and which attempts to develop a comprehensive philosophy of immortalism that can hold its own against alternatives. Again, I'm not sure that this will make any great difference--but I hope something will be gained by trying. As with many other hard problems, there is probably no simple "big fix" to the social problem. But it seems clear at least that the problem *could* be solved--it is a matter of attitudes rather than technology. And I am optimistic it will be. The general trend of things seems to be in the direction of improvements in the quality of life worldwide, despite any contrary crosscurrents. Looming on the horizon is the possibility of slowing and then reversing aging. I think it is gradually dawning on many people that they have more to gain from life than they had thought, maybe a lot more, thanks to developing technology. But a backlash is not to be discounted; it could still prove our undoing. Though we want to put a lot, possibly the far greater part, of our effort into the technical problem, I don't think it would be wisest to ignore the social problem entirely and expect it to just take care of itself as we progress. Promotional efforts continue of course, generally involving each cryonics organization's trying to attract and retain members. But I can see a need for more generic things too, things that cross the boundaries of the different suspension organizations and speak to more basic issues. Among these "generics" are a cryonics retirement community, a referral service for last-minute cases, and some hard thinking--and writing and other communication--about philosophical issues. At least some of our resources should be put into these matters too. I'd like to hear from people with ideas on this subject, or who are interested in providing financial support or investment. Mike Perry Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=9435