So some of the recent comments have heraled me as some sort of superhero. I am flattered, but unfortuneately I'm not so much. But in spite of this I wanted to do a post on the subject.
First a little lesson on the subject. Superheroes come it four main flavours, with some mixes.
1. Mutants. These are otherwise ordinary humans who develop powerful abilities due to some mysterious mutation. Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk and any of the people with powers on the show 'Heroes' fit in this category.
2. Mystics. These are people who draw their power through some arcane knowledge, or a magical artifact, or some orther mystical power. Mystics include The Shadow, Wonderwoman, and most heroes in mythology.
3. Mechanics. These people use fabulous tools to augment extrodinary, but still human, mental and physical fitness. Mechanics include Batman, Ironman, and James Bond.
4. Aliens. Fairly self-explanitory, strangers from another world. Aliens include Superman, the Green Lantern, and others.
I apologise for the pedantics, I suppose it's not so necessary, but I think the important thing is for all these types, there has to be some sort of sacrifice. Mutants and Aliens feel alone more than usual because they have trouble relating to others. Mystics usually pay some sort of spiritual price for their powers, and mechanics have to fully appreciate their own mortality, and yet still put themselves on the line. Power always comes with a price.
So the usual question for people is what one super-power would you choose. But I would ask, what price would you pay for that ability? I guess I'll ask both.
As for myself, I'd consider two abilities. The first ability is precognition. This is difficult because to know the future is to be trapped by it. Better would be the ability to perceive the consequences of choices. The price for this one is actually pretty clear. It is to study history. History repeats itself, so when we know what has happened in the past, we can predict the future better.
The second ability would be telepathy. This also has a cost. It is to become interested in other people. In order to know what others are thinking, one has to really want to know. Then we try to find out about other people, to empathise with them, and really get to know them. Then we can almost read their minds because we can hear the words that they don't speak.
So am I willing to pay the price? How about you?
Peace out.
Rock on.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
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