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Bill Teeter left a comment for Michael LaTorra Mar. 9, 2008

Michael LaTorra left a comment for Bill Teeter Mar. 9, 2008

Michael LaTorra left a comment for Robin Hanson Jan. 19, 2008

About Me:: Transhumanist, cryonicist, Zen priest, college assistant professor.

At 6:48pm on March 10, 2008, Michael LaTorra said…: First revivals: On this topic, my first assumption is that the best-cryopreserved will be the first revived. Since cryopreservation technology will presumably advance most rapidly closest to the time that revival technology becomes workable, we can assume that the last-cryopreserved patients are likely to be the first revived. Therefore, we will probably be closer to the end of that line than to the middle or the front. My best (wild-assed, unspportable) guess is that we would be revived at the earliest in the 22nd century, perhaps around 2150 or so, and at the latest by the middle of the following century, around 2250.

I'm also guessing that the global situation for humanity (and posthumanity) on Earth and in space will also be better the further into the future we go. So being revived later will not be a hardship at all.

In the meantime, there will be wars and rumors of wars, but I don't think we'll see an apocalyptic global thermonuclear war, nor will the USA be brought to ruin. We'll have economic downturns (like the present recession) and probably some more terrorist strikes, but by and large civilization will continue, science and technology will advance, and our slow, halting progress toward building a better world will contine.

There is reason for hope!

Regards,
Mike

At 6:22pm on March 9, 2008, Bill Teeter said…: What do you see as a realistic timetable for the first revivals?

I have heard estimates from as soon as 25 years to a late as 100 years from now.

I have yet to receive my ID and membership materials from Alcor. I should receive word after my insurance underwriting is finished by week's end.

Much can happen between now and whenever we may go into suspension and eventual revival.

For example, there have been tension within the Middle East for years, and the current war in Iraq, the tensions along the Gaza strip and the Iran's nuclear ambitions have added to it.

I suspect the U.S. may hit Iran's nuclear facilities before the election.

I am afraid our military is spread out too thin to counter other threats around the world.

I also have concerns about China and Taiwan, not to mention Kosovo's declaration of independence, and the EU's apparent encirclement of western Russia.

Do you think any of these situations may trigger a major confrontation, if not, a global conflict?

Anything like what I mentioned would, in my view, delay research and development in cryonics for quite some time.

I would hope we don't have another world war, as we have had over 60 years without one.

Thanks.

At 12:59am on March 9, 2008, Bill Teeter said…: Hello, Michael.

I singed with Alcor in January and am waiting for my insurance underwriting to be completed.

I'm trying to build a support network of cryonicists, and, unfortunately, have had very little success.

I live near Rochester, NY and have found only one other person in my area who has signed on for cryostasis.

I am 43 years old, work out four to six days a week, watch what I eat and drinks, and use supplements.

I started my research into cryonics shortly before my mother passed away in November.

It was a no-brainer for me to choose cryonics, as I want nothing to do with the grave or the urn, or any other means of dissolution.

I'd like to keep in touch with you and share some ideas about cryonics.

Thanks for listening.

Bill

At 3:37pm on April 12, 2007, Michael LaTorra said…: Richard Leis, Jr. asked: "Do you mean that living longer and healthier are wants instead of needs?"
Yes, that's exactly what I mean. It's OK to want the world and everything good in it. At the ground of your being, though, you already contain the potential for enlightened contentment in this moment.

At 11:48pm on April 11, 2007, Richard Leis, Jr. said…: Welcome. I'm not sure I get the last sentence: "Yet, in the ultimate sense, we do not need anything more than we already are." Do you mean that living longer and healthier are wants instead of needs?

At 10:12pm on April 11, 2007, Christopher said…: well said, Michael...we would all do well to consider the paradox, our ancestors hadn't the luxury...welcome to the network.

At 9:59pm on April 11, 2007, Michael LaTorra said…: Existence is a great paradox. We can -- and should -- live long, healthy and beyond-human lives by applying the science and technology now being developed. Yet, in the ultimate sense, we do not need anything more than we already are.