X-Message-Number: 31095
Date: Fri, 3 Oct 2008 14:18:00 -0700
From: Gary Kline <>
Subject: Re: CryoNet #31093 - #31094
References: <>

> From: "Chris Manning" <>
> Subject: Some random thoughts on cryonics
> Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2008 22:05:44 +1000
> 

> Just three points that have occurred to me concerning cryonics, which I offer 
to the group for what they are worth (which may be very little):
> 

> (1) Many people believe that cryonics won't work. We believe it may. This 
raises the possibility of funding one's suspension by means of a bet with such a
person. The bet could be weighted according to the perceived probabilities of 
each possible outcome. 'I am so sure of cryonics not working that if you *are* 
revived, I will reimburse you the cost of your suspension. In return, if you are
not revived, you agree to leave me $1,000 in your will.' Or something like 
that.
> 

> There are of course a number of problems with this idea. For example, if 
someone is revived it will be clear that cryonics has worked, but when shall it 
be deemed to have been unsuccessful? 


	My personal believes are that cryonics will be successful when it
	has returned to full function a person who has died (*hopefully*
	under optimal conditions).  To give that person a second
	chance.; or put another way, a continuation of whatever he/she
	had been doing before.

	Included quite obviously, are rejuvenation, curing of the cause
	of death and other existing ills, plus whatever common-place
	technologies are capable--(increasing one "IQ" and many other
	mind-brain functioning so the person fits into the future
	society).  Since science and technology continue to grow
	exponentially, I think it is virtually certain from a medical
	stand point.  

	The structure of society in six or seven score years is another 
	question and you may think it is off-topic; but I see it as part
	of the sociological equation.  Will we inherit a more laissez faire 
	future, or one that is more controlled?  That is why I think it
	would help if we have an Einstein or Gandhi or Abraham Lincoln
	among us.  ... .

> 

> (2) Some members of the public may assume that cryonics must be a scam on the 
grounds that cryonics organisations try to interest people in signing up. With 
religious and humanitarian organisations, the motivation for signing up new 
recruits is obvious, but it might not be clear to the average person why we do 
it. After all (they might argue), the number of other people who sign up makes 
no difference to any particular person's chances of being successfully revived, 
so what difference does it make how many new recruits they can attract unless 
it's a scam?


	This is what I have heard from my family and one or two other 
	people.  It seems to me that the more than is understood about
	cryonic suspension the better.  Also why the "Old Dead Guys Days"
	(or whatever: sorry) is such an outstanding idea.  Within the next 
	few years I hope this type of event will have some heavy-weight
	scientific evidence--cryo-biologists and others,
	perhaps--available.   These events might be partly for chuckles
	today, but it could easily evolve into a more pro-active group.
	Who knows?  At the very least, it would offer an opportunity to
	answer some questions and criticisms.  And, as important, to 
	listen.
> 

> The answer, I assume, is that it may well make a difference, e.g. because of 
economies of scale. But it would be as well to make sure people realise this.
> 

> (3) Many possible reasons why people aren't interested in being cryopreserved 
have been canvassed. A possible reason which nobody has mentioned to my 
knowledge - and I am treading warily - is guilt. Some people may well be living 
with a burden of guilt about things they have done (or failed to do) in life. 
This burden will end with their death, and so, while they don't exactly welcome 
death, at least it means an end to that burden.
> 
> I think it is a pity if people feel that way but I can understand it. 
> 

	Hm, that's an interesting and insightful thought!  But then, 
	people burdened by this kind of guilt would have, upon
	reanimation, a second chance.  A chance to make up for whatever
	wrongs or failures; and equally, the opportunity to do good
	things, to complete whatever mission[s] they felt they did not
	do during their first time.

	have a good one!

	gary kline



-- 
 Gary Kline    http://www.thought.org  Public Service Unix
        http://jottings.thought.org   http://transfinite.thought.org

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