Living to 150: what’s the point?
René Andron, Marseilles (Bouches-du-Rhône)
I read with interest the article devoted to the current research aimed at making us live in good health until 120 or 150 years in the more or less distant future (“Getting old, soon a bad memory?”, L’Express of May 25). These approaches bring us back to fundamental questions, for example these: what is the point of living so long if we continue to destroy our ecosystem at the current rate? What demographic model could allow the sustainability of such an evolution? Everyone therefore understands that, in the current system, this ambition, as old as our conscience, mobilizes substantial resources for a small number of privileged people. So is it really essential?
And how to finance pensions?
Daniel Scheer, Pugny-Chatenod (Savoie)
I read with great attention the article by Amine Meslem “To get oldsoon a bad memory?“and I am surprised that nothing has been said about the economic question that this extension of life would pose. At a time when it is extremely difficult to push back the retirement age to 65 in order to be able to finance tomorrow’s pensions, how will we finance pensioners over a hundred years old, will it be necessary to be able to work until they are 100, or even 120, to meet these expenses?
Robespierre and Melenchon
Jean-Paul Coupet, Montpellier (Herault)
Emmanuel de Waresquiel’s interview with Jean-Luc Mélenchon is remarkable (“Mélenchon is Jacobin by temperament, but communitarian in his political program”, L’Express of May 25). The strength of tribunes like Robespierre and Mélenchon lies in the magic of the verb, which they know how to handle wonderfully, but History has taught us that when we want to translate it into reality, everything changes. “Those who know do not speak, those who speak do not know. The wise teach by their deeds and not by their words.” (Lao Tzu)
Long live organic!
Eric Groud, Angers (Maine-et-Loire)
I read your articles in your last issue on organics and I am surprised that you are pointing the finger at these sectors that are being built (“Bio, the great disillusion”, L’Express of June 2). I don’t remember who said: “There are two categories of men, those who look at the world as it is and wonder why, and those who look at the world as it should be and say why not. .” I am afraid that you are placing yourself in the first category and I want to offer you the following reflection. Rather than asking products whose cultivation is virtuous to justify their practices, shouldn’t we impose on products not resulting from this agriculture the mention “Products resulting from intensive monocultures using pesticides and insecticides”? Let’s eat less, exploit less, produce better.
Russia is not Putin
Peter David, Tourne (Gironde)
Stephen Walt almost ends up justifying the war in Ukraine by humiliating the Russians following the expansion of NATO in Europe (Stephen Walt: “If we don’t try to understand Russia, we won’t get out of this war”, L’Express of May 25). But this invasion is unforgivable and unjustifiable. Stephen Walt forgets that Putin is not Russia and Russia is not Putin. If Putin was a “normal” leader, he would have already realized that more than 50% of his population is against this war. Unfortunately, he is unable to listen to anyone but himself. There is therefore no point in seeking an end to this war with him. The solution requires a direct dialogue with the Russian people. How to get there ? As in any dictatorship, Putin’s power is only due to one thing: the corruption of his entourage. It is therefore necessary to attack his power of corruption, even if it means bribing this entourage or even all the official Russian media until they finally let go.
Discover our special wine, champagne and spirits series
The world of wine, champagne and spirits is so rich and abundant that it is sometimes difficult for consumers to find their way around. It was with him in mind that L’Express designed this 100-page Special Edition. An issue which of course includes a selection of the best bottles to buy this summer, but which also deciphers the new, sometimes surprising, trends of a sector in full evolution. Rise of organic and natural wines; the strong arrival of digital, with online sales sites and augmented reality labels; ideas for wine tourism stays; without forgetting our investment advice, because wine can also be an investment. You will necessarily find the bottle or the vineyard that suits you. A number to consume without moderation.
Special Edition “New Desires” wines, champagnes and spirits, summer 2022, €8.90.