X-Message-Number: 4165 Date: Fri, 7 Apr 1995 10:15:00 -0500 (CDT) From: N E U R O M A N C E R <> Subject: SCI.CRYONICS Self-Circuit Maybe the "self-circuit," with its apparent "subjectivity," is a neuro- logically reinforced illusion. If consciousness is a universally-distributed commodity accessed by sufficiently-evolved beings, it would be imperative for our brains to individualize consciousness...make it their own. Otherwise, we would all be possessed by a kind of hive-mind (which, while not necessarily negative or impossible) would prove detrimental to Homo sapiens. It is probable that the hive-mind means of downloading consciousness from the hyperdimensional matrix would prove fruitful for other species... as it seems to be with certain insects--if we accept ants and wasps as "conscious," which can be a kind of leap of faith. But the hive-structure in regards to intelligent extraterrestrials cannot be discounted. Mac Tonnies Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=4165