Consider chaos theory, the slightest difference of the initial configuration can lead to wholly different outcomes. That's why I'd say you can't clone a subset of the universe exactly. For example, all matter attracts all other matter at infinite distances, no matter how small the effect it's still an effect, a difference. So the same thing in a different spot the same spot at a different time = same thing with different forces acting on it = no longer the same thing.

> feelings are the primary source of truth, huh, do you really think so?

No, I meant being fine with being killed as long as there's a clone etc. I think that is about how it feels to you, not about whether it makes logical sense or seems just etc.

> Is there, do you feel, any influence in the opposite direction, where rational thought changes how you feel about things?

Of course, but it doesn't change them that far. For example, for all I know, the heath death theory might be true, so whatever we do, nothing will lead anywhere. I might as well stop breathing, not care what happens in the world etc. but I don't. I don't know if these are feelings so much, but I do absolutely believe purely rational actors cannot exist because they can't. I.e. to act, there needs to be some irrational impetus somewhere (it might be a Duracell bunny type situation, then the impetus is the person who put the batteries in, irrationally so ^^). I think life just lives because it can, because there's energy around to do that with basically, not because there is any point or reachable goal, and that the answer to life, the universe and everything may very well just be "why not?" ^^

Speaking of, sorry for the tangents, too, and the late reply :)