8 replies to this topic

[kevin]

Excellent discussion panel with input from an audience.

Link: http://www.mprize.or...pr_2005-low.mp3 4.5MB

[DJS]

I think that was the perfect discussion. A little comic relief with the Proclaimer clones joke, people's concerns were addressed, and Aubrey finished the chat by giving a firm answer to the population issue. [thumb]

The audience seemed awefully friendly to the idea of life extension, at least compared to what we are accustomed to here in the states.

I wonder if, in general, the attitude toward life extension is demonstrably different on the other side of the pond... [glasses]

[Matt]

I live in the UK and the majority of people I speak to want life extension. Some have a few questions but hardly anyone ive spoke to about it hate the idea.

Ive been over to the U.S and life is a bit different there and peoples views. America is very much more religious country than the UK. Im not sure if religion has anything to do with views but even on the internet aswell, I look under the persons names and most against it are Americans... =/

Also like in that audio, She had a concern over world resources... You could obviously give her a bit of education on why that will probably not be any concern in the future and she may change her mind.

I believe you can change most peoples veiws by just explaining any concerns they have.

[DJS]

Matt (whoa?) I also get the sense from the various audios I've listened to, that the British seem more prone to a critical assessment, rather than a theocratic ethic.

[Matt]

Yes I was Whoa182

Its a shame the U.S are not moving forward as fast as they could on some important areas of research. the UK does not have anywhere near the funding of U.S projects.

While other countries advance in things like E. stem cell therapies and are possibly getting cures could president bush's policies be holding the U.S back in an important part of curing human suffering quicker. Even if all these treatments have extremely good results in the future, would the U.S re-consider its views on such technologies?

ALthough Bush will probably be out of office then. I can't believe kerry never got in =/

Edited by Matt, 08 April 2005 - 03:49 AM.

[Cyto]

Indeed, this is going quite well. I must say that I am still trying to get used to some of the English accent though, or we could just say it was the mp3 format ( [lol] ).

[brokenportal]

I love this. Its so reflective of all the usual doubt you find in society. Its like, to sum it up, a lot of people seem to not want to stay alive and healthy because they arent sure if it is going to be good.

They are afraid we will become grumpier and grumpier, or that we wont be able to keep learning etc.. I mean, I dont know if life will be worth while and fulfilling at 80 but Im not in support of dying before 80 because of that reason. I love this discussion. Is there any plan on turning these discussions, sound bites, interviews and things into a cd compilation?

[wassname]

Its like, to sum it up, a lot of people seem to not want to stay alive and healthy because they arent sure if it is going to be good.

..

So true, and ironic. I guess unless they have the motovation to pursue the line of thought they don't get past the initial optimisim/conservitism. (optimism - because some people do agree it would be awesome but then dismiss the idea forever)

That could be a good argument for convincing people for immortality who are against suicide.
"I mean, I dont know if life will be worth while and fulfilling an old person"
"Well, would you support an 80 year old commiting suicide because their life isn't fullfiling"
"No"
"Why not?"
-and then parrelel it to choosing to resign yourself to death-