----- Original Message ----- From: "Matthew Hunter" <matthew at infodancer.org> To: <dragaera at dragaera.info> Sent: Thursday, November 28, 2002 12:47 AM Subject: Re: Damiano's Lute > On Wed, Nov 27, 2002 at 11:52:02PM -0600, Lydia Nickerson <Lydy at demesne.com> wrote: > > I'm with DDB on the neurochemistry. Having the last half of my life > > on various psych drugs, I'm fully convinced of the chemistry of my > > existence. There have also been studies, some recent, which suggest > > that religious states, such as deep meditation or prayer or feeling > > like one is speaking directly to god are physical states, ones that > > some people's bodies are designed to accept. A genetic > > predisposition toward God, like I have a genetic predisposition to > > manic depression. > > This doesn't necessary deny the validity of that experience. > Imagine a supremely powerful alien being who wishes to guide > humanity in their evolution. Sometime before the dawn of history > he lands, introduces a genetic change into the species, causing > some humans to build a biological "god receiver" to which he can > broadcast messages when humanity needs a prophet. > > So maybe we can scientifically explain the feelings, but that > doesn't mean they aren't triggered by God. or by satan, or by extra-terrestrials... i see no evidence that human feelings are modified by any unseen, external sources. but even if one chooses to believe that apparently divine messages are externally-sourced, why should it be assumed that such messages are honest, beneficial, or of divine origin? i'm reminded of abraham. > > In many ways, I think it's really really cool that > > we're finding out so much about how the world works, and being able > > to medicate people's brains in more and more precise ways. I don't > > worry about losing my humanity very often. Not yet. The danger will > > come when people stop having the right to choose their own medical > > care. In the mean time, Better Living Through Chemistry! > > In case you haven't noticed, that's already becoming the case. > Read up on ritalin and kids for a good example. > > Personally, I have severe concerns about any sort of compulsory > (or even merely encouraged) regression to some defined > "normality". Diversity of thought and opinion are worthwhile > things; creativity and art are social goods; the existing > structures need to be challenged rather than assumed. ah, now i'm reminded of niven's future, specifically the point when the human race is attacked by the kzinti, and the contributions of hard-charging, creative manic-depressives would be helpful, even necessary, but they're all well-adjusted, well-medicated, placid members of the time's homogenized society. chris cunningham, np: the kinks "picture book"