X-Message-Number: 18150
Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 22:05:28 -0700
From: Mike Perry <>
Subject: Cryonics Signups and "Number 1," Terrorism Prevention

Keith Henson, #18139:

>evolution has shaped the psychology of what
>leads to feelings of "long term satisfaction."  If these seem at odds with
>a rational analysis, chances are it is the genes who stand to profit and a
>rational analysis of raw survival would make sense *from the gene's
>viewpoint.*

It occurs to me that this could be an explanation of why so few are 
attracted to cryonics. Their survival mechanism is geared to their genes 
rather than themselves. In a limited setting the two interests are largely 
shared, thus, for instance, people avoid immediate threats to their life. 
Cryonics, though, is more long-term, and it seems reasonable that it would 
have little appeal to a mindset geared to keeping one's genes in 
circulation. (True, by being frozen you are, in fact, perpetuating your 
genes, but the mental apparatus is not well-adapted to appreciate this in 
most people, or so it seems.)

>...in the long term understanding and being able to do
>something about the infectious madness which lies behind cults such as ben
>Ladin's may be more important.
>
>I have a draft article for paper publication on this subject.  If Cryonet
>readers are willing to comment on it, I can send you a copy.  Let me know
>if you want it in Word or text.

Prevention of terrorism--warding it off beforehand--is certainly better 
than having to worry about a "cure" when the disease makes its ugly 
appearance. I'm willing to look at your paper; thanks for doing it. (Word 
would be convenient.)

Mike Perry

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