[extropy-chat] SURVIVAL: An impulse behind transhumanism?

[Samantha Atkins]

On Jun 30, 2006, at 8:04 AM, Natasha Vita-More wrote:

> At 12:58 AM 6/30/2006, Brandon wrote:
>> > Someone asked me recently what the impulse behind transhumanism  
>> was.  I said survival.
>>
>> Transhumanists seek not just to survive, but to transcend and to  
>> become something more than merely human.
>
> Yes, although I am looking at the "impulse" that motivates the  
> desires.  Improving the human condition is what transhumanism is  
> actively seeking to accomplish.  Why if it is not driven by the  
> impulse to survive?

Since you have posited that survival is the underlying motivator, you  
need to answer a similar question.  The "impulse" to thrive, to have  
life, yes, but to have it more abundantly is an extremely strong  
driver.  It is what brought me to transhumanism.  It was only much  
latter that the argument that we must significantly change or perish  
came into focus for me.   Most people discount motivation from  
purported threats to survival until the evidence is overwhelming.   
Witness global warming.   When people are motivated by survival fears  
they often do not do their best and certainly not their most  
compassionate thinking.  Witness the "war on terror".


- samantha

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