This is in a way prophetic. As I science fiction writer, I’ve been examining this as an ethical issue. While our science and technology advances, humanities’ moral compass does not keep pace. The gap that exists between the rich and poor, as well as overpopulation present a compelling picture of a civilization that has much work to do.

While the super rich still die, they are able, under current rules to pass along their often ill-gained fortunes to their children, and in this way undermine a fairer redistribution of wealth and resources on the planet.

Right now one can only see humanity through the lens of a species that has moral potential, but is far from the goals promoted by our greatest spiritual leaders. Extending life through the expensive process of genetic manipulation should be the farthest thing from our thoughts, and is purely in the domain of the one percent. Before we extend human lifespans, we must seriously address the survival of the planet on which we live.