Re: virus: Abortion, etc.

John Steele (john_steele@fsti.com)
Wed, 13 Mar 1996 14:49:32 -0600

>True. I think we are highly-evolved gene propogation machines, or
>at least we *were*, until we evolved memes. When I think of "my
>best interest", I tend to think of my memes rather than my genes,
>because I think the former more correctly describe what I think I
>am than do the latter. So, I'm at least as inclined to propogate my
>memes as I am my genes; certainly, I don't feel much sense of
>gratitude to my genes, as I'm just their temporary survival
>vehicle...

When watching nature shows I am always amused when the narrator says
something like, "the lazy cuckoo would rather another bird raise it's
young than do the work itself". Such anthropomorphism assumes intent on
the part of the cuckoo, as if it could choose what survival strategy to
employ.

Humans have a more highly evolved intellect than cuckoos, and are able to
contemplate such matters a bit more. But we are still locked within the
parameters of the basic survival strategy that being human means. We may
think lofty thoughts, but unless they have a material benefit to the
process of human DNA-replication they will remain just that, lofty
thoughts and nothing more.

John

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