Perfect summary of the root cause of human suffering.
We want meaning where there is no meaning, in a universe that's bigger than we can imagine, we are so insignificant. I find beauty in that, unmatched by any man made religion or god.
So, should we live our limited lifespan as the human species, then silently die in a pacifistic and stagnant society, because we are afraid of being cruel and anthropomorphic? No forward drive? No will to power, no desire to evolve, lest we deify something?
A few things... why do you think a "pacifist society" is equal to a stagnant society?
As for being afraid of being cruel, if you believe that you are a superior creation, are you prepared for the moral responsibility of being in charge of those you consider inferior? If your younger siblings were left in your care and depended on you, would you forego all concern for their safety? If one of your friends started abusing one of them, would you ignore it?
I've read Nietzsche and Ayn Rand too. And, like osmanthus pointed out, Nietzsche drove himself insane and Ayn Rand is hardly anyone's role model who's past the age of 22.
Forward drive... sure, have it all, go for it, excel in whatever you want to do. I never said anything against that.
As for will to power, the wisest tend to say that true power is power over
one's self, not over anything or anyone outside.
Ultimately, I will die, you will die, everyone you and I know will die. Transhumanism assumes that being human is the ultimate goal of a self-organizing universe. That's a mighty assumption in light of humanity's and earth's insignificance. It's based on the same
fear of our own death that all religions are based on. Until we accept our own impending death, we are slaves to our
fear of it and will latch on to any philosophy that promises us an "out".
why should we not strive to create our own meaning as Nietzsche saw fit, or try to expand into the universe instead of revelling in our insignificance? Why aren't we superior to other animals?
In all earnestness, I ask you: Why
should we strive to create our own meaning? Why
should we expand into the universe? Why
are we superior to other animals?
Just because we want to see it that way?
BTW, Zaephon, know that I respect your opinions and am not out to offend you personally. Just really curious to gain a deeper understanding of your P.O.V.
{edited to add} I know you didn't mention Rand, I did. Just wanted to get that out of the way. And for anyone interested, here is an excellent resource site for critiques of
Libertarianism, which is what Transhumanism/Objectivism translate into in the political arena.
Topic: "All God does is watch us and kill us when we get boring..