[ExI] LA Times: Drugs to build up that mental muscle

[PJ Manney]

On Dec 26, 2007 1:22 PM, spike <spike66 at att.net> wrote:
>
> PJ, have you noticed those who take the greatest interest in cosmetic
> surgery are those who are already beautiful?  The most advanced
> communications tech is used by those who already communicated effectively,
> and steroids are mostly used by the already buff.  Perhaps society will
> accept that cognitive enhancers should be explored by the already smart.

I suspect this observation is not statistically accurate and more an
impression left behind from media exposure.  Cultural consumers are
interested in role models and the
beautiful/talented/connected/powerful are better used to sell their
commensurate technologies than middle classed John Smith of Middletown
-- although there is the power in the "Cinderella" story of extreme
makeover and the inspirational story of overcoming great hardship,
aided by [fill in the H+ tech blank] that didn't exist to help them
before.  For instance, if you look at the statistics of cosmetic
surgery use, non-genetically gifted people use it far more than gifted
ones.  It's how they overcome their lack of genetic gifts.  As for
steroids, they're harder to use because they're illegal and one needs
to have something on the line to justify hurting one's self in the
long run.

Also, the gifted/talented are using those gifts and talents to make
money and any edge helps.  And we all try to lead with our strengths,
don't we?

PJ