Can We Talk 2

Phenomenon

         I just watched Phenomenon (1996) for the first time. The movie shows John Travolta's nice guy/small town person from his point of view before finally revealing he has a brain tumor. Suddenly we have explanations for the flashes of light, his telekinesis. his speed learning, etc.

         But before we get logic involved, we start thinking what if I suddenly had great insights and wisdom and could learn things we always wanted to know. I started thinking about what I would want. I'd learn to play the piano; it would be slow at first because you don't play with just head knowledge. I'd have to practice a lot to keep up with what I knew. I would like to read fast, maybe not 2 or more books a day, but maybe 4 or 5 a week. I'd read the Bible every week, even if I had a good memory like he did.

         I'd learn to drive a stick shift and work on cars, just for fun. Maybe even small engines, like lawn mowers. I would get the hang of navigating smart phones, and FitBit or facsimiles, and commuters, and video games. I'd read the insurance policies and my investment papers and understand them. I could file my legal papers without hiring a lawyer. I could even figure out dental and prescription coverage for the best rates. I might do a lot more DIY projects and repairs.

         As a result of all that reading, I'd know more history, civics, government and languages. Jeopardy would become too easy after a few months. World classics would take only a fraction of the time they used to take me (and still do).

         In the story, his big ideas and skills could be carried on by scientists for the future of mankind: solar energy, organic fertilizers, etc. I'm afraid my interests would be mostly for my own enjoyment and not others. But it would be fun to have greater brain power without having a disease to do it.