In Poul Anderson's Harvest Of Stars future history, Volume IV, The Fleet Of Stars, people in the inner Solar System riot when they learn that colonists of other planetary systems have discovered a kind of longevity that is impracticable on Earth.
Although most of Anderson's eight or nine future histories are more sophisticated than Heinlein's single Future History, there is also considerable thematic and conceptual continuity between Heinlein and Anderson.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I am not at all sure a "longevity" which has to use downloading of personalities into new, purpose grown bodies is something I would care for, however. After all, the "I" in the original body would not survive to enjoy that kind of "longevity," only the copy would!
Not something I would think deserving of having riots about!
Ad astra! Sean
I would riot.
I'd hang the sophotects on the equivalents of meathooks if they tried to stop me getting it, too.
As far as I'm concerned, if the first body goes under anesthesia and doesn't wake up, the "copy" IS me. My continuity of consciousness is preserved, just as if I'd gone under for any other operation. I'm not bothered with the metaphysics.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
Actually, if I did not believe the spirit survives bodily death, I would agree with you! Assuming such things as the downloading of human personalities into new bodies are possible. Something I am still skeptical about.
So, yes, given these assumptions, I would sympathize with the rioters!
Ad astra! Sean
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