[extropy-chat] humans on mars?

[Jef Allbright]

> Spike wrote:
> 
> > Ratzinger evidently thinks humans have reached Mars:
> > 
> > http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/12/25/pope.christmas.reut
> > /index.html
> > 
> > By the way, shame on you who worship technology.
> 
> In my opinion, this is very encouraging. The Pope appears to 
> display an enlightened awareness of technology as a true 
> extension of mankind.
> 
> He goes on to say the following:
> 
> "Is a 'Saviour' still needed by a humanity which has reached 
> the moon and Mars and is prepared to conquer the universe; 
> for a humanity which knows no limits in its pursuit of 
> nature's secrets and which has succeeded even in deciphering 
> the marvelous codes of the human genome?  Is a Saviour needed 
> by a humanity which has invented interactive communication, 
> which navigates in the virtual ocean of the Internet and, 
> thanks to the most advanced modern communications 
> technologies, has now made the Earth, our great common home, 
> a global village?"
> 
> I see this as a very positive acknowlegement in contrast with 
> the ostensible blindness and denial of past statements with 
> regard to technology. 
> 
> He then makes the point that "Some people remain enslaved, 
> exploited and stripped of their dignity; others are victims 
> of racial and religious hatred, hampered by intolerance and 
> discrimination, and by political interference and physical or 
> moral coercion with regard to the free profession of their 
> faith. Others see their own bodies and those of their dear 
> ones, particularly their children, maimed by weaponry, by 
> terrorism and by all sorts of violence, at a time when 
> everyone invokes and acclaims progress, solidarity and peace for all."
> 
> Yes indeed.  An important message on the importance of taking 
> care of things locally while dreaming extropically.
> 
> With clear awareness of issues and values, "minor" matters 
> such a faith in a deity may not be insurmountable.
> 
I forgot to say earlier,

Happy Newtonmas to all!

- Jef