When Will Actual Real Superpowers Become Possible?

When it comes to the kind of superpowers depicted on TV, such as flying, shooting flames from one's eyes, or super strength that allows picking up cars and buildings, the answer is a resounding no.

However, there are more realistic types of superpowers that do exist, such as those possessed by individuals with extraordinary intelligence who have created groundbreaking inventions or technologies. In a sense, some people already have these 'superpowers': Usain Bolt's top speed of 30 miles per hour, for instance, makes him the fastest man on Earth, a feat that seems like super speed even compared to the second fastest. There are also geniuses capable of learning math and science at an incredibly rapid pace, or 5-year-olds who can calculate complex numbers in their heads. Even more remarkable are individuals who can survive extreme cold or heat, and some can even see music as colors.

Actual superpowers are evolving all the time. This evolution is not identical to biological evolution but occurs either physically or mentally, making us stronger and more capable every day. Technologies we take for granted today, such as radio, movies, TV, and YouTube, were once considered superpowers. Saying that what we consider superpowers today will become everyday chores is not a far-fetched idea. Those who cannot keep up with this rapid evolution will be left behind.

The Evolution of Human Capabilities

Superpowers can manifest not only in physical capabilities but also in our mental and technological prowess. Under the right conditions, we can command energy levels far beyond what our native metabolism can produce. The internet, in particular, has transformed how we acquire and utilize information, often providing knowledge that was previously inaccessible. However, the idea of true superpowers often falls short of the imagination we have for such abilities. A superintelligent machine might be capable of vast amounts of data processing, but it doesn't quite feel like a magical power.

One cannot deny the potential risks associated with these advancements. False information on the internet is a significant concern, and machines, though powerful, do not feel like extensions of ourselves in the way we envision superpowers. While the laws of physics may not be broken by a degree of superintelligence or superstrength, the experience of such abilities lacks the magical wonder we associate with superpowers in our minds.

For instance, if Michael Jordan played basketball incomparably better than you, you might not be as excited about it. The thrill of a dream-like superpower is not just about being 'better' but about the experience of the magic that comes with it. True superpowers, if they were to become a reality, would cease to feel magical and would likely not be as captivating as we imagine.

The Reality of Today's Superpowers

Despite the limitations, the evolution of human capabilities is undeniable. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and what we once considered superpowers are being incorporated into our daily lives. Telecommunication, space exploration, and scientific advancements are just a few examples of how we are evolving beyond what we could have imagined a few decades ago.

As we continue to advance, the idea of true superpowers may become more a matter of perspective. In a world where technology and human capabilities are converging, the distinction between human and machine might blur, leading to entirely new forms of 'superpowers.'

While we may not be able to pick up cars or shoot flames from our eyes, the evolution of human potential is undeniable. The journey towards true superpowers is not a destination, but a continuous process of growth and adaptation.