X-Message-Number: 23562
Date: Sat, 6 Mar 2004 09:23:54 -0800 (PST)
From: Scott Badger <>
Subject: Re: 'Miracle' boys defy death 

OK, sheesh. I knew that, everyone (ahem). I mean I
remember it now. I agree that the survival of the mind
in such situations is a fundamental point that must be
communicated in presenting cryonics to lay people, but
I also agree that it is often not the most important
objection we encounter in the mind of doubters.

We have discussed ad nauseum, of course, the many
objections raised among doubters, and our opinions on
how much weight each carries. I don't think much
progress has been made in resolving that line of
questioning, but it's usually an interesting topic
even so.

A couple of days ago, a friend of mine who is quite
aware of cryonics said to me, "You know all those
nights on the couch when you think to yourself ...
man, there's nothing to do? Isn't that just going to
get worse after a few hundred years?"

The thing is that I have several really intelligent
friends with whom I've discussed cryonics, overcoming
every argument they raise with sound, rational
counter-arguments. Still, not one of them has
expressed any interest in signing up. These same
intelligent people play the lottery!

Again, the reason why does not, in my opinion, reside
in a specific argument that can simply be won over in
debate style fashion. It strikes me as more of an
ineffable effect of a deathist culture that can only
be chipped away at slowly. And I believe there has
been a shift occurring. I credit all the news stories
about the potential for anti-aging technologies just
over the horizon. It's starting to sink in, I think.

In general, though, I'm in the camp that believes the
biggest impediment to popularizing cryonics is that we
haven't shown that it works 

... yet.

For me, the risk to reward ratio compels me to lay
down my bet every month. Maybe that's a good approach
to take with doubters. Say to the them, "Think of it
as a lottery where the odds keep getting better every
day and the sooner you play the less it costs. Hmmm. A
lottery with just about the largest payoff imaginable,
youth, health, and an indefinite lifespan in which to
enjoy it. AND ... you get to be in the lottery even
after you stop your monthly bets. Show me a better
bet."

Best regards and thanks to all for your responses.

Scott Badger

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