h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

* So, is cryogenic storage a good idea? Would you consider it for yourself, or a family member?

Yes, it's a good idea. A gamble on immortality. Lets say that you have one chance in ten or a hundred of being resucitated that's still a considerably better shot at cheating death than if you don't try it all. Personally, I think the odds are much better than one in ten. What do I have to lose?

In the meantime some may find it comfortable to have a "plan to cheat death" that doesn't rely entirely on hoping that there is some kind of supernatural afterlife.

I'd certainly consider it for myself and for my family members (of course they'd have to decide for themselves).

* Is cryogenic storage self-indulgent?

Yes... So was the twinkie I bought yesterday. So what?

* Wouldn't the money be better spent if it were donated to medical research that would aid society as a whole?

I'm already paying for that through donations, taxes, etc. I'm quite willing to pay more. However, what I do with my money after that is my business. You can buy your wide-screen TV set... I can choose to be suspended.

This question also assumes that there is no medical value in cryonics research.

* Resuscitating people would have an effect on the size and demographic of the population. What social problems would this cause?

The premise of this question is debatable.

* Will the society of the future think that they have an obligation to thaw out their 'long-dead' ancestors, or will they just pull the plug?

Well, the idea wouldn't be to rely on the society of the future. The institution that suspended you would be responsible for resuscitating you. The conditions and financing of your revival would be part of the agreement you enter into with the institution prior to suspension.

Also who's to say we'd be 'long-dead'? My grand-children will likely still be around a hundred or so years from now.

In any case, it's still a gamble. There are no sure bets in life

* Would resuscitated people have problems adapting to life in the future? Buck Rogers coped, but would your grandma?

Perhaps... I'm sure that that not everybody could adapt. However, if you haven chosen to be suspended you'd probably be someone with a mind-set that is more likely to be able to cope. Let's not underestimate ourselves.

One could also reasonably assume that the "revivers' would plan a "reacclimatization" process.

And if you really couldn't cope you could always choose not to live.

* What about religion? Is cryogenic storage something that we should morally enter into?

Established religions don't seem to have a problem with it. As far as they are concerned you're dead. Even if they did that would be their problem. Cryogenic storage doesn't hurt anybody so there is no moral problem here. I'd more concerned about how I led my life.

* Would it affect your chances in the 'afterlife'? What if you missed your 'slot' for a place in Heaven?

I don't believe in an 'afterlife' except maybe a post-cryogenic medically extended one. Either you have an immortal soul, then being suspended rather than say cremated shouldn't make a difference, or you don't.

People who worry about their slot in heaven should be more concrned about how they lead their lives.

A more interesting question might be:
"If you were revived would you still be legally married to your wife?"

Sorry to butt in on your conversation, but if
"Garpster198358"
would go back to there own page and then click on the "EDIT PAGE" button and then write a little something about your self then a ACE can come and welcome you there properly
Sorry for interrupting your conversation

Manda