Unit 1: Immortality 2.0 (1èreG1)

 (At the fllowing of what we did last time)

Jesse Karmazin tried to turn the ancient myth of the “fountain of youth” into a modern business  by selling expensive young blood to old people (the name “Ambrosia” came from the Greek and Roman mythology. It was the name of the drink drunk by the gods). Eventually, his project was a failure and banished by the US government because it was potentially dangerous and fraudulent.

Indeed, this project raised ethical questions, on one hand, for donors: were they forced to give their blood? Could it be considered as child abuse? Could poor young people be pressured to sell their blood to the rich? Would they be ready to put their health in danger for money? On the other hand, for society: Does it create inequalities between people (the rich and the poor)?  Is it legal?

To finish with the medicine sector: Should we really use a cure that is not scientifically proven? Are the benefits worth the risk of dying? Should medicine be a luxury or fundamental rights?

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Over to you!

Ambrosia in the news

You're a journalist who's been commissioned by The Guardian to report on Jesse Karmazin's company, Ambrosia. Write a short newspaper article, summarizing what he promised and what happened. Add a catchy headline to attract readers.