I still find the gestalt terrifying in its simplicity.
Perhaps that comes from my early life taking place in an environment where a nuclear exchange was not only thinkable, but considered likely. I was taught to 'duck and cover.' but only later did I, and I think society at large come to the realization that there really was no defense. Both sides would lose and nuclear war became somewhat less likely because the ruling classes finally realized they could not expect to prosper from one. The rise of fundamentalism seems to have put it back on the table as rational self interest no longer holds for the terminally devout. I hope they will never take power in a fully armed nuclear state. Even Pakistan can do serious damage.
Perhaps that comes from my early life taking place in an environment where a nuclear exchange was not only thinkable, but considered likely. I was taught to 'duck and cover.' but only later did I, and I think society at large come to the realization that there really was no defense. Both sides would lose and nuclear war became somewhat less likely because the ruling classes finally realized they could not expect to prosper from one. The rise of fundamentalism seems to have put it back on the table as rational self interest no longer holds for the terminally devout. I hope they will never take power in a fully armed nuclear state. Even Pakistan can do serious damage.
So how, exactly, does God know that She's NOT a brain in a vat? 
