Natural pain is alright if you mean loss of a loved one or something, but i dont see war and hunger as natural to me that isnt natural, it goes against the grain, when there's enough food to go around etc.

As this is posted in the ethics forum I doubt many people here would say to aleviate suffering would be unethical. The real ethical dilemmas concerning the transhumanist/post-human movement are with genetic engineering and bio-mechanical engineering. These technologies when perfected will be primarily available to the wealthy prolongiong life or in some cases making them super/posthuman. Now is it ethical to aleviate the physical suffering of the rich and not the poor? Is it any different than what happens now? Is it unethical to be that "unatural"? These IMO are some of the questions that need to be discussed concerning transhumanism.

As this is posted in the ethics forum I doubt many people here would say to aleviate suffering would be unethical. The real ethical dilemmas concerning the transhumanist/post-human movement are with genetic engineering and bio-mechanical engineering. These technologies when perfected will be primarily available to the wealthy prolongiong life or in some cases making them super/posthuman. Now is it ethical to aleviate the physical suffering of the rich and not the poor? Is it any different than what happens now? Is it unethical to be that "unatural"? These IMO are some of the questions that need to be discussed concerning transhumanism.

The pain and sorrow that we experience, as part of the 'human condition' have indeed netted much in terms of art, science, literature, sacrifice, compassion and so on. But no, that's no reason to not explore ways to improve ourselves.

I'll admit to some measure of conflict on this issue. To illlustrate, let's talk about extending lifespans.[INDENT] I'd love to live longer. I think I could contribute more doubling my lifespan. My children, my wife and my friends could benefit from my living longer. Benefits from the lessons I've learned - whatever good I've brought to this world - are maximized by my being here longer. As a general rule I think most people would love and relish the chance to extend their lives.
[/INDENT][INDENT] Overpopulation, burgeoning health care systems that can't accommodate so many people, over-extension of resources, sprawling communities that expand far beyond their means as the population and strain on resources grow. The best life isn't necessarily the longest, but the 'best lived'.
[/INDENT]Good for Me: I like the fact that, for the most part, I'm a natural-creature. I have two sets of trans-human modifications (sight correction and reproductive sterilization). Both of these modifications have improved the quality of my life immensely. Had I not my sight modified, I'd have surely befallen more accidents - had I not voluntarily had my ability to reproduce modified, I'd have likely fathered more children than my means and desire can accomodate. My immune system has been modified to resist various diseases and I'm very, very grateful for that.

How Good Might it Get?: A third arm would be convenient, as would telepathy and x-ray vision (I also have some ideas for modifying my wife but we'll leave that alone for now). How about a coke dispenser in my right thigh, chameleon skin as a fashion statement or the ability to digest pine needles as a grocery cost-cutting measure. Oh! And while we're at it; how about replacing feet with wheels that can also come with the optional chrome finish?

No, there's nothing wrong with transhuman efforts as a whole but I will say this: Everything that can be "taken too far" or abused by humans, will be.

Thanks

I dont understand how come we're not controlling overpopulation by doing something like the Chinese.

I never said do exactly what the Chinese are doing, what i meant is saying something like only have two children as opposed to more is a good way to help reduce the overpopulation, nothing at all to do with liberty.

I know that you didn't say that we should do what the Chinese are doing. You just asked why we're not doing what the Chinese are doing, and so I answered the question.

I agree that we should only have two children. If not for overpopulation, then at least for your own sanity - lol.

Yeah i guess i should've explained my post a bit better.
I think one would be enough for me:)

I heard someone say long ago, that children are a poor mans wealth. when I was young, I thought when I grew up that i wanted about ten kids. Guess i watched the Waltons too much. Had this idealistic view of what a large family could be like. I have four living children. They're all grown now. They are the love of my life and i would not have wanted it any other way. I wish I could do it all over again.

I heard someone say long ago, that children are a poor mans wealth. when I was young, I thought when I grew up that i wanted about ten kids. Guess i watched the Waltons too much. Had this idealistic view of what a large family could be like. I have four living children. They're all grown now. They are the love of my life and i would not have wanted it any other way. I wish I could do it all over again.