X-Message-Number: 17120
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2001 22:48:59 -0700
From: Mike Perry <>
Subject: Infinite Self-Worth

Eivind Berge, #17103, says

>It seems to me that assigning an infinite value to yourself would
>also work just as well as skipping the self-estimation. Both of
>these would also be equivalent to embracing egoism, which I did
>long ago.

In fact, I think people can be assigned an infinite *potential* self-worth, 
based on ideas and hopes I have about immortality. If things go as they 
should, their "worth" (however you reasonably define it), though always 
finite, should go to infinity over infinite time, as they develop and 
progress to ever higher levels. This should avoid the problem that somehow 
a person could be rated or feel "worthless". Having a basic sense of 
self-worth I do not see as a detriment, properly handled, but really a 
benefit and something essential. People who, like the devout Buddhists, 
point to their physical housing and say, "there's no person in here," may 
feel great bliss. But how many of them are signed up? As far as I can tell, 
they simply are not interested.

Mike Perry

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