Letters to the Editor: Live forever on this dying planet? Readers say no thanks
To the editor: Am I the only one bothered by the article about multimillionaire Peter Diamandis spending his money to experiment with techniques that he hopes will allow him to live beyond 100 years, or maybe even forever?
On the same page as this piece in the print edition was an article about the plight of migrants hoping to find asylum in the U.S. On the next page was an article about our impending climate crisis, followed by articles about political instability in Europe and conflicts in Israel and Russia.
If Diamandis is successful in his quest for long life, I hope his fortune is large enough to buy a habitable environment for him and his family, plus protection from global conflict and the humanitarian crises that will surely be exacerbated by global warming.
Most of us will not have the advantage of the extended lifespan that Diamandis hopes his money will buy, but just as well. The future of humanity on our planet looks pretty bleak.
Laurie Jacobs, San Clemente
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To the editor: In Diamandis’ complicated, $120,000-per-year pursuit of eternal youth, I can only hope he takes the free advice that kids, both rich and poor, have all received: Look both ways before you cross the street.
To paraphrase Alanis Morissette, wouldn’t it be ironic?
Paula Del, Los Angeles
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To the editor: After reading your article about people obsessed with immortality, I went to my gym for my regular workout (part of my own “anti-aging movement”). While there, I noticed someone with a T-shirt that read, “Die with your memories, not with your dreams.”
Why not spend all of that money and time enjoying the life you have rather than on fighting the inevitable?
Chris Blankenhorn, Valencia
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To the editor: I guess I have lived these rich people’s fantasy. Now 102 years old, I am a World War II Navy veteran who walks daily.
In my 20s, I had the forethought to marry and father twin daughters. Both are now widowed and have come back home to take care of dear old Dad.
William Suter, South Pasadena
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To the editor: People trying to live forever might want to read Aldous Huxley’s novel, “After Many a Summer Dies the Swan,” to see the fate of someone with the same ambition. The 201-year-old character evolves into something they might not desire.
Bob Carr, Altadena
