Mark Pesce: So far, direct link approaches have proved very dangerous. However, in a world of fully realised nanotechnology, the difference between simulated experience and actual experience becomes indistinguishable.

adam66: Do u think there is a limit to how far we can go?

Mark Pesce: At a certain point, we will end up re-defining what it means to be human. Although we may not recognise it at the time. And as long as we keep on changing the goal posts we might be able to keep this up for a very long time. Although, at some point we will realise that we have passed beyond what we had previously considered ourselves to be.

splitsplot: Do you think there's a limit to how far we SHOULD go?

Mark Pesce laughs

Mark Pesce: I believe we need to focus on technologies that reinforce the integrity and the wholeness of the self. If we go into other possibly deminicle directions, we could end up producing an unpleasant and widespread psychosis.

MrSlack: Has this past quarter century been one of technological invention, or one of innovation? i.e. are we in a historical reality that is more drastically different than what people have seen and discovered in the past?

Mark Pesce: It's clear that we have learned more in the last twenty five years than in all preceeding human history about the natural world. That said, it's a natural out-growth of all of human history leading up to this point. It is both innovation and discovery.

Kloud-Nyne: What form of technology is going to reinforce self and wholeness integrity?

Mark Pesce: www.playfulworld.com take a look at the links in the Concrescence section, for 'Osmose'. This is a Virtual Reality technology which seems to have a profound spiritual impact on those who experience it.
And of course, there are always drugs.

Chat Editor: Right, we're running short on time, so here's the last couple of questions:

Tharen: Mark, have you ever taken mind expanding drugs -

Mark Pesce: :-)

dizzy: Are you coming over to Britain soon - will you be giving any lectures/presentations/book signings?

Mark Pesce: I don't know at this time. But please, please, please beg a British publisher to publish my book, so far they seem uninterested.

Chat Editor : That's it! Thanks for being with us Mark We enjoyed it :)

Mark Pesce: Thanks, goodbye. I did too.

Chat Editor: So, that wraps the first E4 chat!

Mark Pesce leaves the room.

warlock: Thankyou very much mark - very enjoyable.

muckfuppet: cheers mate.

Chat Editor: Glad you all could be a part of it. More chats will be coming up soon. Normal rooms on the way . . .