Re: More is Better (was RE: another puzzle)

From: Johnathan Corgan <jcorgan.domain.name.hidden>
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 16:53:32 -0700

Lee Corbin wrote:

> When I was in high school, I read that dentists were considering
> use of a new anasthetic with this property. I was revolted, and
> even more revolted when none of my friends could see anything
> wrong with it.
>
> Experiences are real, whether you remember them or not.

It's interesting how different people react to things. I've actually
been through this (see previous post); it's not theoretical for me. And
I would do it again, and wish my dentist could use this technique.

(Of course, in my case, is was for a semi-surgical procedure that I
could probably have withstood with conscious sedation; I don't think I'd
choose this for open heart surgery!)

Here is a case where I voluntarily chose to undergo a mildly painful
experience with the foreknowledge that I would have no recall of it. I
am none the worse for it. Did I "experience" pain? Yes, so I am told.
  Was that experience real? Sure. Can I relive that experience in my
memory? Not a chance. And that's how I wanted it. What is so
revolting about it?

What's behind the strong emotion here? (You seem to have had a similar
reaction to the events depicted in Brin's "Kiln People.")

-Johnathan
Received on Thu Jun 30 2005 - 19:55:27 PDT