X-Message-Number: 14347
Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2000 05:36:59 -0400
From: Paul Wakfer <>
Subject: Re: #14336: From a Deathist Lurker Girl
References: <>

> Message #14336
> From: 
> Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2000 06:31:20 EDT
> Subject: From a Deathist Lurker Girl
> 
> In a message dated 8/18/2000 5:04:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Paul Wakfer
> writes:
> <<  However before I detail that, I wish to apologize to any CryoNet lurkers
>  and relative newcomers who might have been offended by some of my
>  language or criticisms which were directed at, and meant for the
>  long-time CryoNet posters and readers. If anyone wishes to know more
>  about the details of the basis for my complaints, criticisms and/or
>  praise, I ask that you write to me privately. >>
> 
> Hello, Paul
> 
> As a longtime lurker with only a tangential interest in cryonics (how I came
> to be subbed to this list is a long and weird story) I have nevertheless read
> the debates of the last few weeks with interest.
> 
> In order to bring myself more "up to speed" regarding the history of your
> differences with other major players in the cryonics field, I have also gone
> back to the cryonet archives and read some other things posted on
> cryonics-related websites.
> 
> My conclusion?  In any group of people, especially larger groups of
> intelligent people who have passionate feelings toward the common cause they
> support, separate factions are bound to develop.  I have seen this occur in
> every organization in which I have ever been involved.  There is nothing
> intrinsically bad about this.  What is bad is when the various factions turn
> valuable time and energy from the cause they mutually support and focus
> primarily on their differences, each attempting to vilify the other and show
> newcomers why they are "right" while the other side is "wrong."
> 
> Not having been around for the actual happenings, and only reading about
> things after the fact, I have to admit that you've swayed me to your way of
> thinking, Paul.  Not that I believe your way of approaching cryonics-related
> research is "righter" than theirs, but that I have been impressed by your
> calm, well-reasoned responses to some of the hysterical ad hominem that has
> been hurled at you.  I despise cheap shots and gratuitous infighting, and you
> have handled the insults flung at you with the utmost grace.

Thanks a lot. It is nice to find a kindred spirit who can see and
appreciate what I am trying to do.
 
> A few more comments, then back to lurk mode:
> 
> P.S. to Paul: despite the fact that "mental masturbation" won't get you any
> closer to immortality...hey, I kinda like it.  I like to see big brains play
> with themselves... call me a mental voyeur ;-)

Me too. I have nothing against *any* kind of maturbation and I just
*love* to do the mental kind myself. My point (which I am sure that
*you* undersood) was that it is not exactly rational to be engaged in
such activities when the house is burning down around you or the wolves
are at the door.
 
Re: "Since I am planning to irreversibly deanimate at some point".
You are obviously an intelligent, perceptive person and one who appears
to be enjoying life now and has a mind interested in new things, so I
expect that you do not plan or wish to deanimate any time soon. You also
appear to be the type of person of which we need more in the future, if
we expect to make this planet and its society function better for all of
us. Therefore, I am sincerely interested in the reason why at some point
in the future you are sure that you will want to deanimate. What exactly
is it that will change to cause your current desire to remain alive to
be abandoned?

-- Paul --

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