Thread: diaspar

Okay, it seems people got really frustrated at my removing my previous thread. I had hoped that deleting the posts (since I am not able to delete the thread) would just make it disappear as no one would want to participate. I should have guessed more accurately at the reactive nature of the members here that this would not turn out well. Anyway, it wasn't meant to be a big deal.

So, I proposed two options for people to choose from. Before I propose the two options let me first qualify this topic a bit. First of all, these are not real scenarios so if something seems to be missing you're free to use your imagination. Second, if you are familiar with Arthur C. Clarke's The City and The Stars, recalling the story may be helpful here, for it is an inspiration to my question.

The first option. You are born into a world in which you live forever. There may be intermittent deaths, but your (genetic) information and memory is stored such that it is as though no time has passed since you last lived. The world is closed off to the outside real world. Machines control the physical and social structure of the world. Anything is possible through virtual simulations which can last indefinitely. Certain aspects on the human's physical nature may no longer exist, and other aspects which are new may exist; this may be so much so that you can no longer be classified as human in your current sense of the idea.

The second option. You are born into a world which is isolated do to oppressive outside forces (which may be only mythological). This world is on a desolated version of earth. The people in this world have been isolated here for eons and have developed themselves to the point of being very physically capable, possessing telepathic ability, and still preserving a very capable grasp of science (far beyond anything we know today). These people do not live forever, nor do they want to.

Would you have a preference if you were given the choice to chose between these two worlds?

Are these reasonable choices?

--P.S.--

: : : : Maybe now the previous participants in this thread can see why I deleted the previous one. The emphasis was wrong, and incomplete. My fault.

: : : : Also, and this is only relevant to those who read the previous thread, I tend to use the word spiritual to carry the meaning of having some set of personal practices intended to develop the self. This definition is based on the conclusions drawn from several threads on the topic (one of which was in this forum long ago). I forget that the word still provokes distaste to many (specifically the technologically minded).

Since I consider the deletion of ones prior posts to be rude and I have no reason to believe you may not do the same thing here, I see no point in taking an active part in this thread. Perhaps other will be more accomodating.

Oh no, am I being rejected for my misconduct? Ouch, you slapped my hand! Oh the pain! I'm going to have to wander the deserts of cyberspace until I find some band of thieves that will take me in. They will probably be deformed, and have not near the intellect of the such ably judging people as those on the science forum. They will not recognize my worthiness and I will have to beg for scraps.

I only had to read the first option to know I would choose the 2nd.

Originally Posted by imawobot

I only had to read the first option to know I would choose the 2nd.

Why?

Where's the challenge in nr1? I can't live without challenge.

Do you speak merely of the challenge to live, or any challenge which may arise? In the first option you could simulate challenges to entertain you.

Originally Posted by DaBOB

Do you speak merely of the challenge to live, or any challenge which may arise? In the first option you could simulate challenges to entertain you.

Isn't nr1 just living in an entertainment park for all eternity pretty much? I don't feel like I could enjoy life if I couldn't mess it up by making bad decisions. Simulating challenges sounds like playing a computer game within a computer game...

In the first option you could simulate challenges to entertain you.

But isn't the whole thing rather passive? I don't see where satisfaction or excitement or contentment comes from. Especially when you consider how physical most of our life is. Learning calligraphy and playing badminton and fixing a motorbike and knitting or embroidering a cushion cover are all intensely physical activities as well as the intellectual stimulation or satisfaction of solving a problem or dealing with an opponent.

And what about sensual indulgence and luxury? A long soak in a tub or an icy drink on a hot day or snuggling into a warm blanket after being outside in a cold wind. Having a friendly cheerful pet like a dog.

I realise you say that this version may no longer be anything we regard as human. But being human is a lot to give up.