X-Message-Number: 15264
From: "George Smith" <>
References: <>
Subject: The problem with being right
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2001 11:24:33 -0800

I again note much heated debate on the Cryonet.  It causes me to take a
broader view of the overall situation.  My understanding follows.

PROPOSAL -

When it comes to cryonics the ultimate problem with being right is found in
essentially one of two possible extreme scenarios:

SCENARIO #1-

If you are optimistic and take the stance that you expect that cryonics will
work and you will survive your own death, then you do NOT get to say "Nanny
nanny boo boo! I was right and YOU were WRONG!" to those who refused
cryonics because your worthy opponents are all dead.

(Damn!  I REALLY wanted to do that!).

SCENARIO #2 -

And if you are pessimistic and take the stance that cryonics will NOT work
and no one will survive their own death, then YOU do not get to say, "Nah
nah nah nah nah!  I was right and YOU were wrong!" to YOUR worthy opponents
who are all dead...

because YOU are dead too.

SUMMARY -

Note that the pessimists end up dead in BOTH scenarios, but the optimists
SURVIVE in at least one!

CONCLUSION -

Go figure.  (Or to put it more precisely, "Nanny nanny boo boo!").

George Smith
"Quivis est, contradictio!"

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