RE: Why We Need Anti-Aging/Life Extension Technology
One consciousness experiencing itself subjectively. Look after your car, it will serve you well and take you many places you wish to go, but are you your car?... and do you think it's the most effective vehicle for all terrain? Transumanists would argue no, their solution being "upgrades" or technology that would provide increased capacity, yet still capacity linked to the human experience and cultural narrative. Like the transumanists, I would argue no also, but then I am not limiting myself to the human narrative, nor planetary narrative, nor even dimensional narrative. Our full potential is only realized once we free ourselves from the very notion of "potential" (coming from a position of lack) and embrace the infinite, putting the horse before the cart and therefore allowing our vehicles to adapt in the best way possible (after millions of years they are pretty good at it, and far better than the cultural circle-jerk some call science). Social issues will not be solved by addressing symptoms. Again though, this ain't directed at you, just my take on the crazy need amongst or species for the elixir of life... kind of hypocritical too if you think how our bloated numbers are sucking this planet dry huh.
We will have to disagree on such matters as I prefer a scientific position. Beyond that it is just religious ideology and the transhumanists are just as guilty of this. As for people draining the resources of the Earth I think you are right - I think we need an attitude change and I hope it will come but I will not hold my breath on it!
I have a lot of respect for true science, but it takes a certain mind to care more for the art than the paycheck or reputation. Overall I think we are on the same page, and since the only constant is change, all we can do is stay true to our principals, I say ALL we can do, but the consequences of doing so are infinite, just depends on the principals :) Have a good one.