X-Message-Number: 18504
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 03:37:56 -0800
From: "John Grigg" <>
Subject: Hello to Toby Christensen

Message #18473
From: "Toby Christensen" <>
Date: Sun, 03 Feb 2002 17:30:11 +0800
Subject: Transhumanism vs what cryonics was invented for.

you wrote:
As you all may, or may not know, I have cerebral palsy, Non-Verbal 
Learning Disorder and depression, as well as myopia.
(end)


You definitely have been dealt a tough hand of cards to deal with in life.  The 
one card given you which I didn't also get was cerebral palsy.  I hope you are 
getting the support, friendship and encouragement you need.  James Swayze could 
be one of the people here you should get to know.  He's a very cool guy who can 
be a good listening ear.     

you continue:
I  look to cryonics as a way of ensuring I can live a life as laid 

down by my genes, not by circumstances beyond my control,  as was what happened 
when I was born.
(end)


I suppose what you meant to say was "the genes I wish I had gotten from my 
parents."  I feel of the different versions of John Grigg which were possible, I
was not necessarily the best! lol  

you continue:
All this talk of superhumanism is lost on a person who can't drive, 
tie his shoelaces, concentrate very well, kick a ball etc. and I'm 
sure other disabled people would agree with me.
(end)


It must be EXTREMELY frustrating.  I can't drive either, due to my own learning 
disabilities.  So many people take this ability for granted.  But I have learned
firsthand how lacking a license affects the opportunities to date women, 
socialize in general, and get a good job.      

you continue:
Cryonics is the practise of suspending a person until medical technology 
can revive them and repair their ailments, not a gateway to some 

weird transcendental world where we all move planets with our thought impulses 
or something. 
(end)


Have you ever heard of the Extropians?? lol!  It looks like you must have!  But 
consider this, the world you wake up in will be VASTLY different from this one.
And though you and I may not be bestowed with great godlike power, there will 
be entities and powers there which will astonish us.  

you continue:
If people continue to entertain dizziness inducing fantasies of 
godlike ability, then they detract from the spirit of what cryonics 
is about: healing the damaged. 
(end)


First and foremost, cryonics is about healing the damage done by bad genomes, 
aging and death.  But it is natural for people to look beyond just that, and 
envision what a mind-boggling society they may be entering.    

you continue:
If pipedreams about playing God are entertained, they  do nothing 
to get cryonics to impaired people and you end up with a plutocracy. 
(end)


I will be the first to admit that if only the financially welloff get to be 
placed in cryonic suspension, a great tragedy will have occurred.  While it 
doesn't take much money to obtain life insurance for cryonics, a person must 
have good health to qualify for it.  Despite your cerebral palsy, would it be 
possible for you to get life insurance?    


The cryonics community has shown it can be very caring.  Though more money needs
to be raised, quite a  bit of money was donated to assist James Swayze toward 
getting a cryonics policy.  I am still astonished by the generosity shown so 
far.


I wish there was a special "superfund" which could provide funding to people who
are unable to work and/or qualify for life insurance.  Considering how many 
people are in need out there, it might be very hard to decide which ones to 
help.  


Toby, I just want to say how much I enjoyed reading your thoughtful posts.  I 
look forward to hearing more from you.  Welcome to the list! :  )

very best wishes,

John    

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