It's kind of funny because I've used the word extropian a lot and I knew what it meant but I never knew there was an entire philosophy built off of it. For those of you who don't know, extropy is NOT the opposite of entropy 
doh: ). Here's a basic look at the principles of extropianism (taken from totse.com):
THE EXTROPIAN PRINCIPLES 2.5
(July 1993)
)1993 Max More
President, Extropy Institute
EXTROPY -- A measure of intelligence, information,
energy, vitality, experience, diversity, opportunity, and
growth.
EXTROPIANISM -- The philosophy that seeks to increase
extropy.
Extropianism is a transhumanist philosophy: Like humanism,
transhumanism values reason and humanity and sees no
grounds for belief in unknowable, supernatural forces externally
controlling our destiny, but goes further in urging us to push
beyond the merely human stage of evolution. As physicist
Freeman Dyson has said: "Humanity looks to me like a
magnificent beginning but not the final word." Religions
traditionally have provided a sense of meaning and purpose in
life, but have also suppressed intelligence and stifled progress.
The Extropian philosophy provides an inspiring and uplifting
meaning and direction to our lives, while remaining flexible and
firmly founded in science, reason, and the boundless search for
improvement.
1. Boundless Expansion -- Seeking more intelligence,
wisdom, and effectiveness, an unlimited lifespan, and
the removal of political, cultural, biological, and
psychological limits to self-actualization and self-
realization. Perpetually overcoming constraints on our
progress and possibilities. Expanding into the universe
and advancing without end.
2. Self-Transformation -- Affirming continual
moral, intellectual, and physical self-improvement,
through reason and critical thinking, personal
responsibility, and experimentation. Seeking biological
and neurological augmentation.
3. Dynamic Optimism -- Fueling dynamic action
with positive expectations. Adopting a rational, action-
based optimism, shunning both blind faith and
stagnant pessimism.
4. Intelligent Technology -- Applying science and
technology creatively to transcend "natural" limits
imposed by our biological heritage, culture, and
environment.
5. Spontaneous Order - Supporting decentralized,
voluntaristic social coordination processes. Fostering
tolerance, diversity, long-term thinking, personal
responsibility, and individual liberty.
The full text goes much further in depth on each point and can be found here: http://www.totse.com/en/fringe/fringe_science/extrprin.html
Thoguhts? I especially like point 5, I've devoted a lot of my time to thinking up ways to help create and fund decentralized, free-form human scale research projects, since I hope to go into researching cognitive sciences and doing a lot of research and experimenting I like this idea much more than the traditional structured forms of research in which those who fund you (usually the college you work at, or the government) tell you how and what to research.
doh: ). Here's a basic look at the principles of extropianism (taken from totse.com):THE EXTROPIAN PRINCIPLES 2.5
(July 1993)
)1993 Max More
President, Extropy Institute
EXTROPY -- A measure of intelligence, information,
energy, vitality, experience, diversity, opportunity, and
growth.
EXTROPIANISM -- The philosophy that seeks to increase
extropy.
Extropianism is a transhumanist philosophy: Like humanism,
transhumanism values reason and humanity and sees no
grounds for belief in unknowable, supernatural forces externally
controlling our destiny, but goes further in urging us to push
beyond the merely human stage of evolution. As physicist
Freeman Dyson has said: "Humanity looks to me like a
magnificent beginning but not the final word." Religions
traditionally have provided a sense of meaning and purpose in
life, but have also suppressed intelligence and stifled progress.
The Extropian philosophy provides an inspiring and uplifting
meaning and direction to our lives, while remaining flexible and
firmly founded in science, reason, and the boundless search for
improvement.
1. Boundless Expansion -- Seeking more intelligence,
wisdom, and effectiveness, an unlimited lifespan, and
the removal of political, cultural, biological, and
psychological limits to self-actualization and self-
realization. Perpetually overcoming constraints on our
progress and possibilities. Expanding into the universe
and advancing without end.
2. Self-Transformation -- Affirming continual
moral, intellectual, and physical self-improvement,
through reason and critical thinking, personal
responsibility, and experimentation. Seeking biological
and neurological augmentation.
3. Dynamic Optimism -- Fueling dynamic action
with positive expectations. Adopting a rational, action-
based optimism, shunning both blind faith and
stagnant pessimism.
4. Intelligent Technology -- Applying science and
technology creatively to transcend "natural" limits
imposed by our biological heritage, culture, and
environment.
5. Spontaneous Order - Supporting decentralized,
voluntaristic social coordination processes. Fostering
tolerance, diversity, long-term thinking, personal
responsibility, and individual liberty.
The full text goes much further in depth on each point and can be found here: http://www.totse.com/en/fringe/fringe_science/extrprin.html
Thoguhts? I especially like point 5, I've devoted a lot of my time to thinking up ways to help create and fund decentralized, free-form human scale research projects, since I hope to go into researching cognitive sciences and doing a lot of research and experimenting I like this idea much more than the traditional structured forms of research in which those who fund you (usually the college you work at, or the government) tell you how and what to research.
