Jeff Davis wrote:
>
> Extropes,
>
> I was housesitting a friends golden retrievers last night, channel surfing
> on their tv (away from my usual net surfing mode of entertainment) when I
> caught an exceedingly brief glimpse of what seemed to be a plug for a new
> movie with extropian content. Clip of leading man--Patrick somebody or
> other I think--peering into a row of laboratory mouse cages, while
> voice-over mentions that the premise of the old movie, "Flowers for
> Algernon"--technologically mediated intelligence enhancement--is rapidly
> becoming a reality. This was followed by a real world, frontal-interview
> shot of the actor closing with the cliche about whether we will handle this
> new capability wisely or poorly.
>
> Details, please. Who knows more about this?
Flowers for Algernon was required reading in my junior highschool english
literature class. The story involves a mouse and a retarded man. An experiment
designed to enhance intelligence is used on the mouse with good results. Before
the consequences are thoroughly understood it is tried on a retarded janitor. He
becomes a genius straving for knowedge and learns a great deal. Soon, however,
the mouse dies, hence the title, but before dying the enhancement reverses. The
story turns tragic as the man learns he will slowing lose all he has gained and
now has so much appreciation for. The irony is played upon that he would have
been blissfully ignorant to his new found loss if he'd been left alone. Is it
better to know and lose or never know at all? This is the point of the story.
Beware the original played by Cliff Robertson was a tear jerker. I can't say
much about the 2000 version until I watch it in little over an hour from now.
It airs on CBS at 9pm PST. I hope this helps.
James
-- "Quod de futuris non est determinata omnino veritas" NOSTRADAMUS 15TH Century
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