Could eternal dictators rule the world? The Chinese and Russian premiers have been caught discussing living forever. But some think this is a pipe dream fuelled by big tech and wishful thinking.
Putin and Xi’s secret immortality chat
Perpetual politicians: Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping show no sign of wanting to hand over leadership to younger figures. Comprehension quiz
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The word acuity in this context means:
A: Physical strength or power
B: A state of confusion
C: Willingness to accept new ideas
D: Sharpness or keenness of thought
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Which word is the closest synonym for implausible?
A: Obvious
B: Unlikely
C: Desirable
D: Impossible
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The article mentions one type of animal that appears to be able to live forever. What is it?
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Which two business leaders are mentioned as having invested in anti-ageing projects?
A: Donald Trump and Bryan Johnson
B: Peter Thiel and Bryan Johnson
C: Jeff Bezos and Vladimir Putin
D: Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel
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In your own words, state two reasons the article gives for why a leader could not rule forever, even if they achieved physical immortality.
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What is the most likely reason the author mentions former US president Joe Biden?
A: To suggest he was a more popular leader than Trump.
B: To provide a recent, high-profile example of a leader facing issues with age and mental fitness.
C: To argue that all world leaders should have term limits.
D: To show that American leaders are older than Russian or Chinese leaders.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. D 2. B 3. Hydra 4. D 5. Any two of the following: Their minds would still get older, and they would eventually become mentally unfit to rule. It is unlikely that citizens would tolerate being ruled by the same person for hundreds of years and would eventually revolt. The universe itself has an end date, meaning nothing can be truly immortal. 6. B
Glossary
Hot mic - When a microphone is accidentally left turned on, amplifying a comment that was meant to be private.
Biotechnology - Technology based on biology, integrating natural sciences and engineering.
Authoritarian - Enforcing strict obedience to authority.
Pandemic - An outbreak of disease which occurs across a wide geographic area, as opposed to an epidemic, which is confined to a particular region.
Acuity - The sharpness or clarity of perception.
Blood plasma - The liquid part of blood that carries blood cells and nutrients throughout the body.
Stem cells - Unspecialised cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cell.
Repressive - Preventing personal freedom.
Revolution - A sudden change in the way things are done.