Perhaps we, or more specifically, our gene pool, is considered something akin to a game preserve by many species out yonder. Future "selves" (containers?) occasionally coming back to sample the indigenous DNA of their ancient ancestors. Such a hypothesis would certainly make more sense as compared to ET's that evolved completely independently from us trying to splice our genes into theirs. Personally, I suspect there has been "contamination" going on for millions of years. In the final analysis, we are all bastards, and we're probably related to everyone. Welcome to the family! Unfortunately, that includes the In Laws too. ;-)
Regarding ACC's CE, (Indeed, a great novel). This, of course, goes to the heart of what comprises a unique identity - a soul if you will. I suspect older souls like ACC and Carl Jung inevitably become more attuned to the illusion of the "self" and all the baggage associated with it. Perhaps at first such revelations disturb them. They end up writing novels and turgid scientific journals on the matter as a way to confront their internal struggles. Later, I think most simply accept the inevitability of it all. Life & Consciousness... Even if it does transform to something else that is currently perceived as unknown, it still goes on. We go on. Do individual identities exist, or are "identities" nothing more than an evolutionary construct that seems to have certain advantages over the more instinctual "hive minded" approach. From an evolutionary POV, it would seem that both approaches of awareness have their advantages and disadvantages. Do "I" exist? (Personally: "I" think not... therefore "I" am not!) I am not "I". Perhaps I/we-all are observers who are playing with an infinite number of "I's" on the planar field of the Universe. I think a number of eastern approaches have got a much better handle on such vexing matters. Western philosophies and our quaint relig'ns are only now beginning to grasp the ramifications of what certain eastern POVs managed to grok thousands of years ago. My, oh my! Such a recent spat of OT discussions! ... about the nature of consciousness. Makes my wet ware quiver! ;-) Regards Steven Vincent Johnson www.OrionWorks.com www.zazzle.com/orionworks
