#28, Immortality

One born in the Roman Empire would have a life expectancy (predicted lifespan) of just 24 years.  During the Medieval Period, that age rose to 30 years.  In 2009, the lifespan for the average South Korean citizen is 80 years.  In just the past century life expectancy has doubled in many parts of the world.

Within the next century, it is predicted that humans will have the ability to live forever.  Ray Kurzweil, a well known American scientist, has predicted that immortality may be possible within the next twenty years.  According to Kurzweil,

"I and many other scientists now believe that in around 20 years we will have the means to reprogramme our bodies' stone-age software so we can halt, then reverse, ageing. Then nanotechnology will let us live for ever."

"Ultimately, nanobots will replace blood cells and do their work thousands of times more effectively."

You are a scientist.  In your hands, you hold a sheet of notebook paper with a formula that unlocks the secret to eternal life.  What will you do with the formula?  Think carefully about the intended and unintended consequences of your decision.  Defend your position.

-Teacher Lee