X-Message-Number: 32164
From: David Stodolsky <>
Subject: Re: New old subject: belief
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:39:46 +0100
References: <>

On 17 Nov 2009, at 11:00 AM, CryoNet wrote:

> It occurs to me that the biggest obstacle to cryonics is belief.  Not
> religious belief, but belief that cryonics could ever work.

The Badger data directly contradicts this. Religious belief is the  
best predictor of opposition to cryonics. See my earlier messages on  
the statistical reanalysis of the data.


>
> If you talk someone all the way through the idea, they generally see  
> the
> concept.  But then most choose to disbelieve it might work.  Ever.

Right, only atheists and agnostics will even look at the evidence  
seriously.


>
> I think that even with cell and organ and animal experiments, until  
> the
> first person is revived, there will be a long road on the way to  
> acceptance of
> cryonics.

There is no support for the idea that revival of a person will have  
any effect on attitudes. In fact, the data clearly shows that such a  
demonstration will have no effect.


>
> And then everyone will know that it was going to work all along.

Sure and the ones who are opposed will be sure that supporters are  
selfish immoral persons heading straight to hell.


>
> So in the meantime, I think that getting the word out to people is  
> really
> important.

No evidence that this will have any effect, and only atheists and  
agnostics will read anything placed before their eyes.


> But trying to convert someone is pretty useless.

Depends what you try to convert them to. If it is cryonics, it will be  
useless.


> Either they will
> accept the idea readily as a good shot at longer life, or reject it.  
> Most
> cryonicists are born with the ability to see outside the box that  
> contains
> most people's perceptions of reality.

No one is born a cryonics supporter or even with a disposition toward  
it.
Cultural differences are the determining factor. This is supported  
both by the Badger data and responses to the question about wanting to  
live forever across different countries (see earlier message for  
analysis).


dss


David Stodolsky
  Skype: davidstodolsky

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