I tell you that as long as I can conceive something better than myself I cannot be easy unless I am striving to bring it into existence or clearing the way for it.
-- G.B. Shaw, “Man and Superman”
Shaw evinces a really weird, teleological view of evolution in that play, but in doing so expresses some remarkable and remarkably early (1903) transhumanist sentiments.
I don’t see the connection. If bringing a superior being to myself into existence is maximum win for me, that’s not obvious. Not everyone, like Shaw’s Don Juan, values the Superman.
Okay, I think I see what’s going on. I originally interpreted “something better than myself” from the quote to include self-improvement. In context though, that’s clearly not what it’s implying.
-- G.B. Shaw, “Man and Superman”
Shaw evinces a really weird, teleological view of evolution in that play, but in doing so expresses some remarkable and remarkably early (1903) transhumanist sentiments.
I love that quote, but if it carries a rationality lesson, I fail to see it. Seems more like an appeal to the tastes of the audience here.
Yeah, you’re correct. Wasn’t thinking very hard.
I have to disagree; the lesson in the quote is “Win as hard as you can”, which is very important if not very complicated.
I don’t see the connection. If bringing a superior being to myself into existence is maximum win for me, that’s not obvious. Not everyone, like Shaw’s Don Juan, values the Superman.
Okay, I think I see what’s going on. I originally interpreted “something better than myself” from the quote to include self-improvement. In context though, that’s clearly not what it’s implying.