Cryonics

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Cryonics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryonics) is something that I had previously viewed with skepticism but after reading several entries and arguments at Less Wrong (http://lesswrong.com/tag/cryonics/), I've become convinced that it's worthwhile. It's less expensive than you may think - one cryonics outfit, the Cryonics Institute (http://www.cryonics.org/), offer their services via a one-time fee of $28,000 that can be paid out by a life insurance policy, while another (http://www.alcor.org/) charges a more steep $100,000 - but considered as a lifetime cost it's actually quite reasonable compared to say, smoking. If I had the cash to spare I would definately have a life insurance policy that included a provision for cryonics.

If cryonics were ever to catch on in a big way, economies of scale would drive the costs down, perhaps low enough that it could be provided on a socialised basis with an "opt-out" system - far better to mistakenly preserve someone, after all we can always pull them out, than to accidently bury or cremate someone who wanted a chance at revival.

Would you ever choose cryonics for yourself? What about your loved ones? Would you take it if freely offered, or is there some other reason you would not have yourself preserved?

[Salyut]

The Cryonics Institute ditched the dewar flask system Alcor uses for these cyrostat things. They have a Russian dude running research too. Cool outfit.

I'd just get my brain done. No point to storing a body.

[Os Cangaceiros]

I used to read some of the stuff at Against Politics (which is kind of an "anarcho"-capitalist/Egoist website). Whoever ran it was also interested in cryonics, incidentally, and would post stuff related to it sometimes. Eventually the cryonics stuff split unto another site (http://www.depressedmetabolism.com/), though. If you're interested in the subject, you might want to check it out.

[kitsune]

I'd just get my brain done. No point to storing a body.

Same here. I've thought setting up a neuro would be a good idea. Never got around to researching the pricing and options and all that, though.

[shaderabbit85]

I'd rather not have someone whack at my head with a monkeywrench trying to dislodge a tuna fish can (I don't like the smell of fish either). :blink: Look up Ted Williams if you don't understand what I'm talking about.

See Planet of the Apes as to why I'd rather not wake up 1000 years in the future.

[Jazzratt]

See Planet of the Apes as to why I'd rather not wake up 1000 years in the future. Transmetropolitan had a much more realistic exploration of future shock, to be honest.

[GPDP]

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/5086/390071fryaaarghsuper.gif

[x371322]

Hell yes I'm gonna freeze myself. I've already read extensively into these places myself. Alcor is the more expensive choice, and *seem* to have better facilities, but I do believe the cryonics institute is just as capable. Besides, I'm still hoping that I live long enough to see the technology progress just enough that we can see it work. Just that extra bit of reassurance. Also hoping it'll be a more accessible option by then.

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

I'd rather not have someone whack at my head with a monkeywrench trying to dislodge a tuna fish can (I don't like the smell of fish either). :blink: Look up Ted Williams if you don't understand what I'm talking about.

Larry Johnson's testimony as to the treatment of Ted Williams is dubious, to say the least. Not to mention the obvious fallacy of making a hasty generalisation from a single case - even if the story was verified, that's not evidence that such treatment is routine or found in all cryonics providers.


See Planet of the Apes as to why I'd rather not wake up 1000 years in the future.

Any society with the means and motivation to revive cryonics patients isn't going to be any worse than today's, in fact it's highly likely to be better in many ways.

I also like to think I'm forward-thinking and open-minded enough to be able to deal with any future shock should I be revived - I know that the future is going to be not just stranger than I imagine, but stranger than I can imagine.

[shaderabbit85]

You're right, it is dubious, but it's so fucking strange though, he was either tripping on acid or it really happened. Most people making something up to badmouth their former company would say "They were rubbing their balls on the head." Or "peeing on the head" or some prank like that. But resting the head on an empty tuna fish can and then it getting stuck (that actually kind of sounds like stupid, thoughtless stuff I would do at work when I didn't feel like giving a shit)? And then whacking at it with a monkey wrench? Fact is stranger than fiction.....

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

You're right, it is dubious, but it's so fucking strange though, he was either tripping on acid or it really happened. Most people making something up to badmouth their former company would say "They were rubbing their balls on the head." Or "peeing on the head" or some prank like that. But resting the head on an empty tuna fish can and then it getting stuck (that actually kind of sounds like stupid, thoughtless stuff I would do at work when I didn't feel like giving a shit)? And then whacking at it with a monkey wrench? Fact is stranger than fiction.....

That merely gives credence to the second half of my first paragraph - you make it sound like an accident.

[Sasha]

absolutly not, i already hardly see the point of having me around now (except because my parents, friends and GF are quite fond of me and i of them), why the hell would is spend money to get myself frozen, world is full enough in the future without an extra defrosted bouncer and failed artist around

6D9vAItORgE

[Nuvem]

Freeze myself? And miss the Deathbot/Nuclear Sludge Man war of 2038? I think not.