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#9726 Re: Not So Free Chat » Your Favorite Sci-Fi Author? - ...or am I making a bad assumption here? » 2002-05-30 14:57:46
...I should add a very special mention: "Micromegas" by Voltaire.
Written in the mid-1700s. I wondered, prior to reading it, how Msr. Voltaire planned to have his traveler from Sirius traverse the galaxy, considering he was writing in an age when hot-air balloons (tethered to the ground, for use in military campaigns) was the only form of "flight" for man.
But I won't give the story away. It is primarily a philosophical story; however, it also is a science fiction story as well...and very charming indeed.
--Cindy
Mars Society member since 6/01
#9727 Re: Not So Free Chat » Your Favorite Sci-Fi Author? - ...or am I making a bad assumption here? » 2002-05-30 14:31:49
Sir Arthur C. Clarke, without a doubt. "Childhood's End," "2001: A Space Odyssey (the book, not the movie)," and "Rendezvous with Rama" are unparalleled, IMO.
I couldn't possibly pick my favorite of these three. Astoundingly brilliant!
--Cindy
Mars Society member since 6/01.
#9728 Re: Not So Free Chat » Philosophers on Mars? - Who would you "take"? » 2002-05-30 14:21:13
Greetings.
Which philosopher's work(s) would you take to Mars, and why?
My vote goes to Voltaire. He was compassionate, humanitarian, wise, practical, possessed foresight, etc.
While he never attempted to develop a philosophical *system* (he felt such a thing was a waste of time) -- and was more than a philosopher, a playwright, etc. -- he was, IMO, "right on" with regards to the human condition, optimism, human potential, and reality.
More importantly, he was a man of *action*...and not just that of words. Has anyone here ever read Victor Hugo's 1878 Oration of Voltaire? Hugo gave this oration upon the 100th anniversary of Voltaire's death.
Voltaire was the friend of mankind. If I were to go as a colonist to Mars, I'd take his writings with me.
--Cindy
Mars Society member since 6/01.
P.S.: I am owner and moderator of an 18th century Enlightenment mailing list. If you are interested, write me privately.
#9729 Re: Space Policy » Is this a great time to go to Mars? - With the economy bad,will an expensive.. » 2002-05-30 11:46:36
I don't know if it would bail us out of a recession, but considering that Pakistan and India are on the verge of what may possibly be the first nuclear exchange -- I hope we can get a mission to Mars *soon.* I don't expect to ever be able to go; however, considering we are in what I consider to be World War III and the hostilities seem to only continue escalating -- at this point, going to Mars isn't an option for the human race. It's a necessity.
As Voltaire said, referring to America, "only in a new town can real progress commence." Mars may be humanity's last hope...for survival of the species and otherwise.
Sorry if I sound dramatic, but these are my thoughts.
--Cindy
Mars Society member since 6/01
#9730 Re: Civilization and Culture » Crime and Insanity - What to do about it. » 2002-05-30 10:53:54
"But what about depression, or mild schizophrenia (and by that, I don't mean split personality syndrome) or something similar? What about interpersonal conflicts during a mission?"
*Surely the crew members will undergo extensive psychiatric screening and personality testing before the mission, including checking out their past medical histories, family history of psychiatric illness, etc.
--Cindy
Mars Society member since 6/01.
#9731 Re: Martian Politics and Economy » The State - Rosseu's "The State" & How it applies » 2002-05-30 10:12:27
NO! Dissent is the WORST thing for a society.
*How are you defining the word "dissent"?
What is important though is that all individuals can make their voice heard.
*And if they happen to disagree with one another?
Dissent from the General Will should NEVER happen, becuase by definition, the General Will can never make a wrong choice, and if that is the case, dissenting from the General Will is CHOOSING the wrong choice.
*Is "General Will" synonymous with "the majority rules"?
--Cindy
Mars Society member since 6/01.
To join my Enlightenment-era mailing list, feel free to write me personally! 
#9732 Re: Martian Politics and Economy » The State - Rosseu's "The State" & How it applies » 2002-05-30 10:02:34
Bill wrote: Do you agree that the coming settlement of Mars may give humanity the opportunity to re-argue many of those wonderful political issues that so vexed the Enlightenment philosophers?
**Addendum to my reply to Bill**
I also feel that the Mars Society is definitely a child of the Enlightenment. I've often wondered what would be the reactions of Benjamin Franklin and Voltaire to MS, its mission and purpose. I'm quite certain it would be absolutely glowingly positive; after all, Voltaire was one of the first science fiction writers with "Micromegas."
--Cindy
Mars Society member since 6/01.
#9733 Re: Martian Politics and Economy » The State - Rosseu's "The State" & How it applies » 2002-05-30 09:34:47
Bill wrote: Do you agree that the coming settlement of Mars may give humanity the opportunity to re-argue many of those wonderful political issues that so vexed the Enlightenment philosophers?
*Hi Bill. Well, I think Voltaire said it best when, writing in reference to America, he said "only in a new town can real progress commence."
Yes, I'm quite sure (in response to your question). Obviously there will be settlers from different political backgrounds; for instance, a democratic USA citizen and an English Monarchist may be neighbors. However, I think it's a "given" that a Mars society will most likely -- at least initially -- will "follow" the political bent of the majority; i.e., if most new settlers on Mars are English Monarchists, chances are good they will, to some degree, hold onto their sentiments. This is natural; we are all "impressed" by the sociopolitical (and other) environments in which we are raised. The 2nd and 3rd generation of Marsians would be interesting to watch, particularly as new colonists move in -- with their own sociopolitical backgrounds.
And to have those arguments mean something outside a dry academic setting?
*I'm not sure how to answer your question. Hopefully they would have meaning outside of dry, stale conversation!
--Cindy
Mars Society member since 6/01
#9734 Re: Martian Politics and Economy » The State - Rosseu's "The State" & How it applies » 2002-05-30 09:04:32
Hello. MS member since 6/01. I've read (and continue to read) material pertaining to Jean Jacques Rousseau; I've read _Introducing Rousseau_ by Totem Books, and have started _The Confessions_. Added to this, I've read other material pertaining to JJR on both the web and in _Introducing the Enlightenment_, also by Totem Books.
In _The Social Contract_ Rousseau advocates too much Group-Think scenario for my comfort. He also stated a person in his society who was either an atheist or who acted as though he didn't believe in the social religion should be put to death. He *did* try to have that specific sentiment rescinded from _TSC_ before it went to print; however, with no success.
And in all fairness, Rousseau did have some good intentions. However, he was too much of a dreamer, and unrealistic.
I much prefer Voltaire's outlook on things.
--Cindy
P.S.: I am the owner and moderator of an Enlightenment-era
mailing list. Write me at ecrasez_l_infame@yahoo.com for more information, if interested.