How does this compare to the experience of taking focus drugs for those that have problems focusing? Is the film “Limitless” a modern retelling of this in some aspects?
Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
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Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#22There's something curiously American about Flowers for Algernon... our general popular culture tends to value physical achievement (the athlete) more than mental achievement (the nerd/geek). So here's the story of how the co-workers/peers of a mentally disabled individual, Charlie, (who they ridicule initially) react to the reversal of that disability (with suspicion and distrust) and then the re-imposition of that d…
I'm curious. I've never seen anything to make me think other cultures are that different in this regard. Would be interested in learning more.
Well, terrible recent developments notwithstanding, Russians revere the authors of their literary canon. Arguing that a successful athlete is more important than Tolstoj or Pushkin would generally be ridiculed.
Even here in Italy, despite an unhealthy national obsession with association football, if considering the whole body of society nobody is held in higher public regard than esteemed painters, poets, writers etc. (athletes are loved but not believed to be particularly bright).
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#23I guess Flowers for Algernon might be considered science fiction, but in any case it was set in the future (1965). The original short story was published in 1959. Maybe should change the title of this entry?
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#24Earlier quoted context omitted.
It’s commonly agreed that the short version is way better.
Indeed. And it wasn't written in 1965, despite this title.
(For anyone wondering, Wikipedia says it was written in 1958 and first published in 1959. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowers_for_Algernon)
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#25See also "Flowers for Charlie", S9E8 of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#26One of my very favorite books. Read at a young age; it would be hard to say what parts of myself are me and what parts came from this book and became me.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#27I think too many of us believe that intelligence is valuable, in and of itself. Instead, I think we should value personal excellence. That is, making the most of the intelligence you’re given. The arc of intelligence in Flowers of Algernon is the same arc that we’ll all experience over our lifetime. With old age, we, too, will lose our intelligence. If we value intelligence, in and of itself, we’ll eventually face a…
I just read this story for the first time and gathered similar insights on character, intelligence, and personal excellence.
What stood out to me most was that he consistently tried to excel with what he was given. To do better for himself, and to help those around him.
Another point that stood out to me is that from his most gifted vantage point, he correctly identifies the all too human fallibility of his Scientific Observers. Jealousy, greed, and feelings of inferiority.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#28There's something curiously American about Flowers for Algernon... our general popular culture tends to value physical achievement (the athlete) more than mental achievement (the nerd/geek). So here's the story of how the co-workers/peers of a mentally disabled individual, Charlie, (who they ridicule initially) react to the reversal of that disability (with suspicion and distrust) and then the re-imposition of that d…
Not exactly a direct response, but see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harrison_Bergeron which imho is the best statement for gifted education that I have ever seen. It anticipates the current situation better than any speculative fiction.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#29I guess Flowers for Algernon might be considered science fiction, but in any case it was set in the future (1965). The original short story was published in 1959. Maybe should change the title of this entry?
Speculative fiction.
Re: Flowers for Algernon (1965) [pdf]
#30See also the 1992 film https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lawnmower_Man_(film)