Who Wants to Live Forever?
In "The Enthusiast" (September/October 2007), David Ewing ­Duncan discusses the scientific controversy surrounding Harvard biologist David Sinclair's longevity research but fails to mention a more sinister controversy, one that exists outside the scientific community. As a bioethicist, I am unhappily aware that many of my fellow bioethicists oppose in principle any attempt to extend the human life span. They think people should accept the "natural" limits on longevity, although they do not oppose electric power on the grounds that we should accept the "natural" limits on indoor light and warmth. As a future old person, I hope that scientists will continue to ignore such small-mindedness and that someday your magazine's feature on outstanding innovators in the early stages of their careers will feature innovators under 150 rather than just those under 35.
Felicia Nimue Ackerman
Providence, RI

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