We need communities and institutions where we explore and celebrate together what it means to be human persons so that we may learn to use technology wisely, and perhaps even reverse the current trend of dehumanizing ourselves.

A functional mechanism has no dignity, no individuality, and no rights. If this computational metaphor of human identity prevails, how long will it be until the person is sacrificed to the program?

If one can possess a piece of the demi-god’s power – an autograph, a watch, a ring – one will somehow live forever. It’s not about “trusting the science” but about believing in the magic.

A robot stands in a meadow. His feet are sinking into the earth. Flowers pierce his mechanism. He opens his arms in ecstatic surrender as he comes apart.

Cochrane has a history of capitulating to pressure when researchers in the organisation come to scientific conclusions that are controversial.