Quote:
|
Originally Posted by punkworld
Good point. Nanotechnology, genetic technology and artificial intelligence may indeed lead to (relative) immortality in the (relatively) near future. I know that I, for one, am hoping for it.
If that were to happen, however, it would lead to a change of the very essence of what it means to be human. We wouldn't have to look for gods anymore, we would be gods. Perhaps, then, the tragedy of human existence would disappear and be replaced by some sort of greatness. On the other hand, perhaps the greatness of mankind lies in its tragedy. Would we want to live in an artificial world of eternal happiness, like a Brave New World without the death? Are things like beauty, passion, even value still possible if we have forever to experience everything we could possibly think of?
Personally, I'm more than willing to find out. I do, however, fear immortality could be a burden that at least most of mankind couldn't handle, and one of which the mere prospect could be enough to destroy mankind.
|
Immortality would most likely be a disaster. Lifetimes of everyone would stretch so far as to make death a vestigial concept of something 'lesser' and more 'inferior' being did.
If a Brave New World type of society arose we'd be no more than machines. Cogs in a greater machine greased to keep the world turning for no particular greater purpose than continued existance.
If there was no chance of death or other consequences for ones actions what incentives would there be to do or not do things. What would drive anyone to ever do anything?
Quote:
What would happen if a computer solved all the world's problems and made the world perfect? In this episode a supercomputer named Loreta does just that ? with disastrous results. (1/2 hour. Note this show is rated TV-MA for mature audiences due to language content.)
Download this episode at http://www.abbsatwork.com/duckman-1.html#103 or try searching KaZaa, or ask me.
"You were the one who made up this whole new world! You screwed up ? not me!"
"Impossible! I am infallible!"
"I don't care what religion you are. You made things worse when you made them better! I mean, I liked having a lot of free time, but I hated not having anything to do. Don't you see, things were good when they were bad, and they got bad when they were good. People aren't happy unless they're unhappy."
"I believe you presented Loreta [the computer that made the world perfect] with one of the quintessential paradoxes of the modern era. The idea that the most perfect world is an imperfect world, because imperfection creates the drive in people to make things better. The irony being that maybe the most perfect parent is actually an imperfect parent."
|