Do we want to live longer?

At first glance this sounds like a great idea; only the truly suffering actually want to die:

http://www.france24.com/en/20130220-zuckerberg-brin-join-forces-extend-life

There are over 7 billion of us humans, and our numbers are increasing daily. We're putting an incredible strain on the planetary resources that allow us to survive. If we extend human life for everyone, we'll eventually starve to death.

Big dilemma?

In reality this plan of Mr. Zuckerberg and Mr. Brin will mean that they and the rest of the ruling class and their one percent accomplices will get to live longer, while the ninety-nine percent (that's you and me) will not.

We useless eaters are slated for elimination (for the good of the planet, of course). Malthus, don't forget Malthus.

Now, if Mr. Zuckerberg and Mr. Brin would like to devote their personal wealth to figuring out how to (1) produce more food for the masses; (2) eliminate more waste from the masses, including CO2; and (3) promote the health and diversity of the non-human species of our planet all at the same time, and are successful in that effort, then I will change my mind.

But not until then.

Here are two scenarios I would like you to think about:

• The fate of the Krell in the movie Forbidden Planet
• The plot of the Star Trek episode "The Mark of Gideon" (original series)

Both are suggestive of the path that we are following with the assistance of Mr. Zuckerberg and Mr. Brin. Neither has a pleasing outcome.