X-Message-Number: 9576 Date: Fri, 1 May 1998 02:24:38 -0400 From: Saul Kent <> Subject: Why Don't People Sign Up For Cryonics? In my essay, "The Failure Of The Cryonics Movement" (9556,9557) I stated that, in my opinion, the number one reason people don't sign up for cryonics is that they don't think it will work. Three people who responded to my essay questioned my statement that the number one reason people don't sign up is their perception that cryonics won't work. In message 9564, Paul Wakfer said: "Much as I agree that this is very important and we would gain enormous numbers of people (the "best" people) if they could only be convinced that it would work, I do not believe this is the *major* reason why people in the general public do not sign up." In message 9561, Andrew S. Davidson said: "My perception is that the general public supposes that whole-body freezing is already a practical propositon and is already being performed on a significant scale." In message 9563, Linda Chamberlain said: "The lack of scientific validity, or even a well-funded research program may not be the overwhelmingly, absolutely, irrefutably, undeniably SINGLE most important reason for the failure of the cryonics movement..." Over the years, I've heard many cryonicists give one reason or another (other than the poor quality of cryonics methods) to explain why people don't sign up for cryonics. I would like to hear others on this forum give their opinions on the number one reason people don't sign up for cryonics. I not only want to know why you think people don't sign up, but I'd like you to state your evidence for this belief. In my case, I think most people are aware (to one degree or another) of the following perceptions, which strongly influence them in deciding *not* to sign up for cryonics: 1) No major human or animal organ has been cryopreserved, thawed and transplanted successfully. 2) No human or large animal has ever been revived after cryopreservation. 3) Animal and human tissues are seriously damaged by freezing and thawing. 4) It is not possible to restore people to life after "death". 5) Virtually all mainstream scientists say that "Cryonics won't work!" I think that these perceptions contribute collectively to the opinion that cryonics won't work, and that this opinion is the number one reason people don't sign up. However, I'm interested in other people's opinions about why people don't sign up. So, please, let's hear your opinions and evidence regarding this issue. ---Saul Kent, CEO 21st Century Medicine Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=9576