Most people can’t imagine what a world without ageing would be like, and they can’t want what they can’t imagine.
I have to agree with Lumifer—most people can imagine (and want) a world without aging, because they would not bother to think about the demographic trends. I would compare this to asking someone to imagine a world in which no one was living below the average income level; I think most people would agree that this is easy to conceive of, and desirable. It’s only the select few who would think this through and wonder how the powers that be are going to achieve this without doing something very drastic to a lot of people.
That was sort of my point. Most people are going to imagine it as a more perfect world. But if they were to think through all of the implications, they would see that it probably involves massive taxation and a very very strong central government, with less motivation for people to do dirty and difficult jobs.
They want something they can’t, or don’t, accurately imagine.
Really? What are the trivial demographic trends?
Also, it’s emotionally threatening to say that they’re suffering the ravages of ageing meaninglessly.
I have to agree with Lumifer—most people can imagine (and want) a world without aging, because they would not bother to think about the demographic trends. I would compare this to asking someone to imagine a world in which no one was living below the average income level; I think most people would agree that this is easy to conceive of, and desirable. It’s only the select few who would think this through and wonder how the powers that be are going to achieve this without doing something very drastic to a lot of people.
“Imagine a world in which no one was living below the average income level.”
This is a world where everyone has exactly the same income. I don’t see any special reason why it would be desirable, though.
That was sort of my point. Most people are going to imagine it as a more perfect world. But if they were to think through all of the implications, they would see that it probably involves massive taxation and a very very strong central government, with less motivation for people to do dirty and difficult jobs.
They want something they can’t, or don’t, accurately imagine.
Yes, really. We’re talking about imagining a world, not about writing a paper on the likely consequences.
So what are the trivial demographic trends?