X-Message-Number: 23447
From: "Graham Hipkiss" <>
References: <>
Subject: Re: CryoNet #23441 - #23445
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 22:43:57 -0000

> Message #23441
> From: "John de Rivaz" <>
> References: <>
<>
> Subject: Why so few
> Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 11:53:05 -0000
>
> One of the problems with cryonics is the slow uptake of new members.
>
> This is surprising because humans go to enormous lengths to prolong the
> lifespans of individuals. Healthcare forms a large part of most nations'
> expenditure. On a purely logical basis, it would only be worthwhile to
> preserve an elite of the most educated and useful people, but any country
> which did this would soon become a pariah nation.
>
> People sick with incurable diseases are willing to spend lots of money to
be
> cut burned or poisoned in what is often a futile attempt to ward off the
> disease. Yet they are not willing to be cryopreserved on (legally defined)
> "death" so that there is a chance (however small) that future doctors and
> surgeons can apply an effective and permanent cure to not only their
disease
> but also ageing itself and any other underlying deficiency in the body
what
> gave rise to it in the first place.
>
> There may be several reasons for the reluctance of people to get
interested
> in cryonics as a means of a "last ditch" attempt to preserve life.. Most
> people cite "the cost" but really you can't take it with you when you die,
> so as long as the cost of making provisions for cryopreservation is not a
> major part of your expenditure then "the cost" is not an issue.
>
> Another reason may be the arrogant remarks between some people who have
> already signed up, or some people who have not signed up but have
sufficient
> interest to post articles to cryonics mailing lists or newsgroups. "My
> cryonics provider is better than yours" is a frequent argument to be seen.
> It is just the same as "my car is better than yours" -- yet most makes get
> you form A to B within the legal speed limits. "My computer is better than
> yours" or even "my operating system is better than yours" are all
arguments
> that appear on mailing lists and newsgroups. It is human nature.
>
> However cryonics itself requires a major shift from conventional modes of
> thought and behaviour, so it is hardly surprising that many people new to
it
> see all this nit picking and think "on no, not again" and move onto to
> something else.

I agree with John that it seems so illogical that people appear to be
against death, but not for cryonics.  I don't agree that it may have
something to do with any disagreements expressed by members within cryonics
publications.

In my opinion it's all a matter of timing.  The vast majoriy of people live
from day to day and 90% of their thinking is concerned with the days work
and evenings entertainment.  Another 6 or 7% on the coming days and weeks
ahead.  Another 2% on the months ahead sufficient to arrange holidays etc.
Whatever's left maybe on future house move, family extension or possibly
even a pension.

When we talk to people about making provision for something that we hope may
come about in a hundred years or more, is, I believe, when all but a tiny
few switch off their interest.

I always thought that cryonicists were people who had a far greater than
average fear of non-existence for the rest of eternity, but maybe,
cryonicists are people who have a far greater than average realisation of
time.

Graham Hipkiss



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