Sun, Mar 21, 2010 Permanent linkWhy were the posthumans in Accelerando stuck close to the Matrioshka brains at the location of their evolutionary origin? Or why were the uploads in Greg Egan's Diaspora not interested in spaceflight? It wasn't their state of mind, but necessity. You're either close to the critical information density or you are out of the game. Are you going to take part in the first colonisation of an extrasolar planet, as depicted in Chasm City, just to learn that people back home came up with much faster vessels once you arrived?
I think there is a serious risk in thinking that an open mind is enough. It's like free hearing without free speech. An active approach is essential. Even more so the possibility that news can reach you in the first place.
Mon, Mar 22, 2010 Permanent linkAn open mind is more than a passive container.
Openness demands engagement and participation
but in their purest forms ...
without being tied to a specific path, outcome or image.
"What proportion of our time should we spend on the prospect of unknown unknowns?"
that may yet prove to be "the " most important question of our times. however I do not think that the answer is in the realm of 'spending time' but more a state of mind of openness allowing serendipity and randomness to play their tricks.