| [Discussion] [Discussion] How to sell this to the majority, so as to make the transition as smooth and pleasant as possible, for all.The above question is one that I contemplated as I watched Ray Kurzweil's interview with Glen Beck, a few months ago. The reason that this interview struck me, is that Beck is very religious, and yet was quite accepting, even complementary, of Kurzweils' opinions. I know many people who are religious or might just have a kneejerk reaction to some of this stuff. Yet, when I come at them with respect and an honest effort to answer their questions, they are quite open to this future and don't have much of a hard time, as some might think, of reconciling it with their beliefs, or even reorienting their views somewhat. Here is why this is important. There are two possible routes to this future (inevitable though it may be unless we destroy ourselves with it); the first is a smooth transition where the public is behind these changes to the maximum extent possible. The second, is with strife between society and inevitability. Perhaps both reach the same end, but the first is much smoother and less violent for all, especially the scientists (think, AIG executives- you don't want that treatment). So presumably option one is what we all want. So, how do we do it? Suggestions- 1. Go to the nonusual outlets- Glen Beck- Talk Radio- late shows ...introduce the public to the benefits of accelerating tech. 2. don't take an 'us vs. them' mentality, and explain simply and clearly, and you will find people more receptive then you thought.... 3. Get religious scientists to be the spokesmen on selling this to the public. I know from freinds that are orthodox Jews and are scientists that they don't have religious problems with these things. I also presume that there must be some scientists with other religious affiliations who have no problem reconciling their faith with these advancements. The fact that you guys don't share their faith is irrelevant. Remember, the point of this exercise is how to gain wider acceptance from the public, so as to minimize resistance, so as to ensure as smooth a ride as posiible, for all. Kurzwels' upcoming movie is a good start. However, I believe realigious scientists will be more effective spokesmen because they'll be a clear exampleto people that they don't have to give up faith to accept this. Thus, they will be less apt to resist these things, politically or otherwise, God forbid. Explain things, again, not with an 'us vs. them' way about you, but with explanations like 'we are simply doing waht God put us here to do- to explore, to learn, to grow, to help people, to cure diseases, to use these technologies to do good things- and God surely approves of doing good things'. Also explain and drive home the point that if we, the 'Moral' democracies don't advance these things, then the dictatorships will. And their dominance would ensure an immoral world. These two directions will help win over religious people and nationalistic people. Again, the aloof inevitability 'listen up you hicks and hay-seeds'- Angle, won't work. It is counterproductive. For smart people, you're pretty good at stupid when it comes to selling the public on your ideas. Please comment on any other suggestions you might have, or on any flaws in my suggestions, if they exist. And to clarify, I am not being cynical. I do belive in a creator and I myself don't have an emotional or intelectual or moral problem with any of this. I am not suggesting lying. I am simply suggesting an approach that doesn't needlessly antagonize, and that achieves our goal of a better world for all. For the best and fastest and safest way to get to this world, is for all of us to be working in tandem to get it done. Some using their financial accumen, others their political clout, and each bringing their own skill to the table, and as few people as possible opposing. This can only be achieved by explaining things in the way I have set forth above. And as I stated before, you will find people to be far more receptive then you imagined. Believe me, I know from experience, they will be receptive if you do things in the above listed manner. Check out the Glen Beck interview with Kurzweil (you tube) to get a glimpse of what I mean- and while watching the interview-remember, this is a super duper religious mormon accepting and being positive about these ideas. This is what you can look forward to if things are done in the way described above. The way AIG executives are being treated, is the second route. That is not good for anyone. Excelsior. 9 votes by methos on 2009-03-24 |
Comments
|
|
