Entrepreneur, programmer, avid student of life. I make useful things, and share what I learn.

What super-power do you want?

2009-05-29

What super-power do you want?

Do you ever play this conversation-game? Ask a group of friends this question. It's interesting to hear different people's answers, and what they reveal.

When I was a kid, I wanted to fly.

When I was a teenager, I wanted to be invisible. (Probably to sneak into girl's rooms and watch them undress.)

For the last 20 years, I wanted to stop time. (So much work to do! Never enough time!)

But recently when this game came up with a friend, I realized that for the first time in 20 years, I didn't want to stop time. I've changed. My new super-power is I want to know everything. (Speak every language. Know every fact. Understand the universe.)

A year from now, it may be a different answer.

Whenever I went to a book store in the last 10 years, I'd go to the business section (as you can see, here.) But this past year, I was more interested in the travel section (India, Asia, Iceland, etc.)

A month ago I found myself wanting to take two years off to go visit 24 countries for one month each. I was quite seriously considering this!

Last week, I found myself in a book store again with a friend. She needed to go the the travel section, so I went with her, but found I had no interest anymore. Something's shifted. I want to work again. Vacation is done.

Sometimes you don't notice these changes in yourself until a conversation-game or book store reveals it.

So, since we're here talking anyway, I'm asking you now: What super-power do you want? Please leave a reply, below.

(Not sure what super-power you want? Take this cute quiz.)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nacaseven/1324730325/

Comments

  1. Fabrizio (2009-05-29) #

    I want to be right here, right now. Easy? not as it seems.

    living the "present" is what is helping me the most in my music career.

  2. Melissa Baxter-Kosub (2009-05-29) #

    My 12 yo asked me this question. I responded with Omnipotence. He has stopped asking me that question.

  3. Patrick Smith (2009-05-29) #

    For now I would like to stop time. Actually to free up more time. Time to love more,live fuller, create music.

    Be that as it may I am grateful for what I do have.And when the muse whispers in my ear, I just sleep less.

  4. juergen (2009-05-29) #

    I'd like to have the power to turn myself into a stranger. you could get in or out of any situation you'd like and always leave a first impression, or just take off without leaving people behind (cause they don't know you)...

    ...so, you don't know me, even if my ace looks familiar, cheers,

    juergen

  5. marko (2009-05-29) #

    this is a great question! i would love to be able to peer into the past, divine patterns thru that "peer" and then look forward and apply those patterns to where i (and we) are headed... THAT would be super.

  6. Stacy (2009-05-29) #

    Teleportation. To be able to be wherever I want to be, whenever I want to be there, instantly - and to be able to take folks with me.

  7. Tony Diehl (2009-05-29) #

    The power to never tire and stay fully energized!! I could get so much more done if I didn't have to sleep all the time...until then...g'night!!

  8. Sylvain Picard (2009-05-29) #

    I would like to have complete awareness of my thought and feelings (without judgement).

    I would also like to be aware of the vacuity of words and, therefore, concepts.

    Analysis is not consciousness...

  9. Dan Krikorian (2009-05-29) #

    Immortality would be nice. then I wouldn't need to worry about the whole 'stopping time' problem...

  10. Chagall (2009-05-29) #

    Right now, I would like the power of healing. I would love to be able to heal myself and others fully of heartbreak, illnesses, and behaviour patterns that just don't work so that we can all start life anew in an instant.

  11. jared matthew kessler (2009-05-29) #

    I would like to put a stamp above every office building door, job application, tv program, dollar bill, car visor, etc... these words:

    "If today was your last day on the planet... what would you be doing?"

    *Jared

  12. STREET SPIRIT (2009-05-29) #

    The ability to answer all the wonders of the world correctly.

  13. Brian (2009-05-29) #

    I have always had this yearning to fly. I envy birds and their effortless ability to just soar through the air.

  14. Steven Wylie (2009-05-29) #

    I want to be able to fly while carrying my guitar.

  15. Simone White (2009-05-29) #

    I would like to have the super power of a super hum that when I hum a note it vibrates in my body and restores harmony and other people hear it maybe consciously maybe not and start humming and soon the whole world is harmonious and peaceful.

  16. Donna Larson (2009-05-29) #

    I want to power to ignite enthusiasm in other people.

  17. Chantelle (2009-05-29) #

    I'd definitely choose immortality. Imagine what kind of wisdom and empathy one could develop across multiple lifetimes! I'd apprentice in 1000 fields for 100 years. I'd live 10,000 different lives just for the fun of it. I'd become the ultimate researcher with time enough to acquire the entire body of human knowledge before I move on to discover what isn't yet known. Hey, wait...am I the only immortal in this scenerio??? Ok, can I please change my superpower? I want to stop time - then EVERYONE can live forever and do just what I've described. Whohoo! That's WAY better.

  18. Rain San Martin (2009-05-29) #

    If I had a superpower it would be: To travel back in time for a limited duration so that I can relive or observe places (especially my old homes), people and the pop culture of my past. A motto of mine is, “Enjoy the cherished moments of your past, work and live with passion in the present and dream about the possibilities of tomorrow“. I actively preserve my life with journals, photo’s and video. Sifting out our golden memories makes the present eternally valuable.

    Rain San Martin -composer

  19. Paula Benson (2009-05-29) #

    The quiz I took said I am just an average person. After dark I become this different person. Truly my superpower would be learn how to make great decisions in business.

    Have a great day.

  20. Sarssipius (2009-05-29) #

    I took the quizz 'cause I couldn't figure out which super power I do want, mainly cause I want 'em all (Sylar kinda guy or Peter Petrelli?)... Result of quizz... Telekinesis!! What a nice portrait smile

  21. Michael Hardin (2009-05-29) #

    all knowing would be good

  22. Jason Parker (2009-05-30) #

    How about the ability to add hours to the day, but only when you need them? That'd be pretty helpful!

    That or X-Ray eyes...

  23. Melissa (2009-05-30) #

    I decided recently that I have all the powers I need. Seems easily envoked just by asking for what I want... That also covers super ones

    Thanks for always keeping me thinking!

  24. Carl King (2009-05-30) #

    Immortality would be a nice start. It would allow me to feel I am not wasting valuable time when I am forced into social situations.

  25. Carlos (2009-05-30) #

    just to be able to make a site to sell it for around 25 mill

    ;)

  26. Tim Nenninger (2009-05-31) #

    The power to tap into my infinite abundance.

  27. Ragani (2009-06-01) #

    The power to think, dream, or envision something, and have it manifest instantly. smile

  28. Maia Bittner (2009-06-01) #

    I've always wished I could see (physically) the emotional connections and bonds between people.

  29. daniel nathan (2009-06-01) #

    teleport

  30. Damon (2009-06-02) #

    I want to know what everyone else is thinking at any given time.

  31. Pantera Saint-Montaigne (2009-06-03) #

    The power to end all wars, remove hatred and cover the earth with peace.

  32. Hellsteeth (2009-06-04) #

    Today I'd like to time travel, anywhere in time, I'd especially like to go back and meet someone like van gogh or max beckman, I'd like to watch him paint and shout him a drink, he'd pobably tell me to F off.I'd also like to see some countries or cities I've been too, before the industrial age.

  33. Lina (2009-06-07) #

    I just would like to have some super power to change ours lives... its no so easy o live..

  34. Adam Burt (2009-06-08) #

    If I had a super power it would be to have speed learning and super speed(mostly so i could do math esimynts).

  35. Osama Bashir (2009-06-09) #

    i would like to be a leader who serves for humanity.

  36. David Andrew Wiebe (2009-06-10) #

    The quiz came up with Telekinesis for me.

  37. Phoenix Force (2009-06-29) #

    Simple, The Phoenix Force.

    With it, destroy the current trend of humanity and let humans get another shot.

    If humans fail again (probably) I will not involve myself. The damn monkeys will kill themselves probably no matter what.

  38. Ty (2009-07-19) #

    I want to be a shapeshifter

  39. Andrese (2009-11-06) #

    i wanted telepathy

  40. Red (2009-12-28) #

    Possession. To possess another being, human or otherwise, and be able not only to control direct actions but to influence their thoughts and opinions on matters.

  41. daniel brown (2010-02-02) #

    to be just like god and exactly like is what I want.

  42. Anthony (2010-02-14) #

    I want God-like powers.

  43. Natsu (2010-03-06) #

    Wind. To be able to control the wind. Travelling is not instantaneous, but at least its fast. Wind can also help to protect by blowing people away. I'm just sayin'.

  44. pad (2010-03-09) #

    i would like to have the power of erasing/cancelling an effect/recreating ,so you can control the time and events ,imagine if you where able to erase something like a tornado, a person or to bring a person back to life or to change an event that was or is going to happen. the result for me was a dreamer ,telepathy

  45. JAKE (2010-03-10) #

    I would really like the power to freeze people or objects because for example: if something falls i can freeze it in mid-air. and you may not get hurt as much and another example i was running and at school and a teacher yelled at me i would freeze her and walk right by.

  46. Mike (2010-03-27) #

    I would like to power to change my D.N.A., so that i would have multiple abilities.

  47. Viorelll (2010-04-11) #

    i want this super-power
    Flying
    Read minds

  48. Robin (2010-05-20) #

    I would like to absorb kinetic energy in order to gain superhuman attributes as an effect. (I would be invulnerable to physical harm no knives or bullets could penetrate me)The effects of absorbing would be : invulnerable physically, superstrenght, rapid healing and superstamina

  49. prasanna (2010-06-09) #

    i want to become invisible and make my best frnd abhi,to become good,means i dont want him to do bad things....

  50. papon (2010-06-10) #

    Invisibility?
    Flying?
    Stop time?
    Read minds?
    Immortality? I want them all...

  51. shiro (2010-06-18) #

    i want ability to control the wind so i can go anywhere and make the wind do the job for me

  52. Elektro (2010-06-19) #

    The only thing i wont is to become me on made charekter Elektro... Then maybe me live whont be so lame and pointles...

  53. Justin (2010-06-29) #

    Help I'm freakin out alright i think I have a running power not cuz of any test but it's crazy and I would never lie but I let my sister get a 5min. Head start this was a race I beat her by a long shot but when I ran it felt like I was not even touching the ground it was on a beach I went back to the exact spot there were no foot prints! Well the was a little bit of a footprint but u couldn't tell anyone had been running I'm srry I just had to tell some one

  54. Jaisheelan (2010-07-15) #

    Well what i wish is to have power to crush all humans and living beings.
    keep then under my control and rule this world.
    I want to rule the entire universe.
    I want to be the strongest of all.
    THATS ALL!!!

  55. Itachi (2010-07-15) #

    I want to terminate entire world and be alone till i see my death!!!
    pathetic humans!!!!!!

  56. Itachi (2010-07-15) #

    I am insane.
    I want to be like ITACHI!!!

  57. Ziamond (2010-07-19) #

    Immortallity, super healing(heal any and everything), and many more those are powers that I would really live to have. But to share them with people that are close to me..

  58. marissa (2010-08-12) #

    iwantdarknesspowers

  59. De' Tinker (2010-08-25) #

    Super healing would be my first pick. I'm sure the fact that I have a busted foot has nothing to do with that. Also because I believe things like superstrength and speed (not superman or flash though) would come with it, possible even super intillect.

    After that:
    Teleportation
    Invulnrability
    Dephasing (only term I could think of, walking through stuff)
    Different vision types (predator mask anyone?)
    And obsorbing energy from other beings (anyone heard of the wraith?)

    That's me.

  60. Amber (2010-08-28) #

    I would like to get a bunch of super powers (flying,ability to move things,all the super powers in the orld but no change of body even villian ones but use them as for good)

  61. jojo (2010-09-04) #

    i want the super invisible power

  62. chandrashekar (2010-09-15) #

    i want all the powers so that can fly,dissapear and appear at one place

    i wnat move objects with my eye vision only

    powr to creat food eery thing

  63. Vance (2010-10-08) #

    I would want to have the power of teleportation

  64. leonardo (2010-11-05) #

    i want to have the power to transform into a demon so i can take my revenge on people

  65. janbertrand bautista (2010-12-16) #

    i want the power to control the wind

  66. georginio (2011-02-13) #

    I WANT TO BE FAST AND I WANT A POWER CAN DESTROY THE EVIL WORLD

  67. georginio (2011-02-13) #

    AND I WANT TO READ MINDS

  68. georginio (2011-02-13) #

    AND I WANT TO JUMP HIGH

  69. razzer (2011-02-26) #

    when I was 5-15 years old i wanted to fly, then few years i wanted to be a samurai, lol. I'm almost 20 now and I'd want to be immortal so i can learn about everything and make the world a better place with my art. .... i will get bored of all this, I bet. I think we are fine just as we are in the end :P

  70. seiryu (2011-03-11) #

    powers i want :
    -immortality
    -powers that ninjas have like what you call shadow clones,can run fast and above waters (i dont really like flying so that would be enough for me) and also their power to hide themselves(hiding in the dark and shadows)
    -super strength and super fast movements
    -super sharp senses(5senses of human)
    -knows all kinds of martial arts,ninjutsu and knowledge and mastery to all kinds of weapons.
    -can memorize everything the first time i saw it
    -power to heal any kinds of injuries and sickness(so i can heal others)
    -super body regeneration (easily heal my body with any kind of injuries)
    -unlimited stamina(so i can operate for a very long time) and above average intelligence(so i can plan&strategize efficiently and has very high analytical skills)
    -can breath underwater and doesnt affected by water pressure

    ah i really really wish i could have those... But i guess thats really really imp0ssible xD

  71. Ashlyn (2011-03-13) #

    i want to be able to fly turn invisible and read minds and also to freeze time so i can make a 100 on every test and also make my crush fall in love with me and also the power to be the size i want to be and get everything for FREEE!

  72. Reinhard Seigwrath (2011-03-14) #

    I desire unlimited strength and the glory of invincibility.

  73. Mr nice (2011-04-08) #

    Planet busting strength, faster than light speed, able to breath in any atmosphere without the need of oxygen ever again, immortality, invincibility, incredible healing factor and an extreme willpower to with stand the corruption of said powers. or omnipotence, dr manhattan style, with the extreme willpower to prevent myself from being corrupted by said powers

  74. Mr nice (2011-04-08) #

    And with my omnipotence counqer parallel universes, unite them into one nation and establish an uncorruptable government.

  75. Mr nice (2011-04-08) #

    Oh and ofcourse the right mind to do good.

  76. super sammy (2011-04-11) #

    look i dnt no wat my power is callede i can set things on fire and change the weather huh. i guess you could call me the fall of the weathers lol-fish if you dont believe me visit youtubbe now

  77. KiraCrossings (2011-04-11) #

    the power to save people in need!_!

    gotto save myself first (so i want to change)

  78. mitchell (2011-04-22) #

    i want the power to fly

  79. mitchell (2011-04-22) #

    i changed weather before i said let it snow let it snow and i started to snow

  80. mitchell (2011-04-22) #

    i want all powers

  81. Scott (2011-04-28) #

    I have the most beautiful girl you have ever seen, but she has MS. So WANT the power to take away her pain and heal her. Even if it takes away a year of my life. It hurts me to see her in pain, to know she's in pain. She's 25 year old

  82. Divine (2011-05-19) #

    Having power is great! using it to help people is greater, I want power to help myself and people.I've always wanted power to read minds but what i wanted now, is a super retentive memory..yeah.!

  83. Amitk (2011-07-31) #

    I want Air,Water,fire,earth,and Sky 5 powers.

  84. waail (2011-08-02) #

    i want to control the air, Manipulate it, Use it as a weapon.
    so i can help people but if someone were to cross me i would ignite highly flamble gasses and burn his limbs off

  85. khatmin (2011-08-17) #

    i would want to fly and get fire balls.

  86. khatmin (2011-08-17) #

    i want all powers thats really cool.

  87. itez (2011-08-21) #

    how do i get all powers

  88. Anupam (2011-09-01) #

    i liked your website .today i will surely try the heat beam out of my eyes

  89. ajvillarta (2011-09-03) #

    I WANT POWER

  90. ajvillarta (2011-09-03) #

    I WANT INVISIELE POWERS
    AND CLONE POWERS FLYING
    POWERS AND STOP TIMEING
    POWERS AND TO MOVE THINGS
    WHITH MY MIND ELITIREC
    POWERS

  91. mohammad reza (2011-09-06) #

    guess I would like to do cool things with sand.how about a 10 metre tsunami?

  92. Mark van Cuijk (2011-09-09) #

    I'm in my mid-20's now and I'd choose the superpower of mind reading.

    About 10-15 years ago I think I just wanted to know everything. I actually believed that would be possible, although adults keep saying otherwise.

  93. Phil (2011-10-03) #

    I want the power of telepathy over great distances, so I can make someones head explode if they are total Trolls and stuck up assholes with no respect in the internet smile

  94. Nomasonto Tshabalala (2011-10-16) #

    I struggle to register i wondering if i can chat with at my mxit,here are mxit id sonty16 if you sometimes use mxit

  95. Nomasonto Tshabalala (2011-10-17) #

    I realy lyk to read ppl minds,i wana know what people think and what they want to do,can you please help me

  96. Zephael (2011-10-17) #

    I really wanted to have power that can allow me to go back in time. I want to tell my mother that I love her very much and prevent her from dying. I want to save her. I want to hug her so much...

  97. samuel (2011-10-19) #

    i want powers

  98. Derrika (2011-10-24) #

    I'va wanted to have the same power since I was old enough to ponder the question. I want to stop time.

    So I can nick all the stuff I want.
    And take breaks to sleep when it gets stressfull.

  99. Emmanuel (2011-11-03) #

    Hi,
    i want to know everything and to be anything and also to say anything and it is as have said.thanks

  100. Luke (2011-11-07) #

    I'd like to have cryokinesis, pyrokinesis, flight, superstrength, heal all wounds and diseases, and invulnerability. Also, films like those of Disney have made want to have the power to talk to animals.

  101. Sebastian C (2011-11-12) #

    its funny to write something about this because i actually have four special abilities like i can sense ghost near me and i can hear the dead talk to me in my head also i can see the future only when i sleep my future that is and also my best ability is when i fall asleep i can make my spiritual soul come out of my body and trust me when i say the spiritual world does exist but the power that i want is immortality to be able to live forever and never grow old or die and heaven and hell does exist but if i die im not going to either one im going to make my soul stay in the spiritual world. also two effective ways to increase your spirituality is by taking LSD or MAGIC MUSHROOMS

  102. Andrew Lin (2011-11-12) #

    Without a doubt, the biggest super-power is the ability to time-travel. Then you could do everything aggresively and take all the risks in the world, because time could be turned back. Then you would have all of the answers in the world with no uncertainty.

  103. Shuhaib thawoos (2011-11-26) #

    I dont want the power of immotality as its a curse to live longer than your loved ones
    I dont want the power to control time as each second of your life is what you want and will be a lie
    I dont want the power of extreme knolledge as once everything is known, theirs nothing left to find out and further living would be meaningless
    All the powers you could get is selfish and one sided, we would never learn to live,

    All i want is the power to change the system,currency,values,ideals,nations,law, i want the power to move the world into a better place, even if only its achiveable in my lifespan and hopefuly try to make it continue

  104. Leo Zero (2011-11-30) #

    I want the ability to obtain an infinite amount of power which can be used in any way.
    A power within me, or a power coming from the universe which i can channel more and more with hard work and training, thus making it turn into ANY form of power.
    In other words a kind of omnipotency, however not an obsolete one, but one conditioned to bringing balance to the universe, for balance is the ultimate source of existence.
    "Heaven" cannot exist without "Hell".
    I am 19 years old and my dream all my life has been to obtain the title "Guardian of Balance" trough Training, encounters, events and hard work. Its kinda sad to reach the point where you have a lot of responsibilities, and you dont have time to even think about what you want, let alone do what you want, and then ask your self: " Is what I want pointless? Is what I want impossible? Can I no longer pursue my dream? ".
    I have come to the point where my question is:
    "How to make what I want come true?"
    Well guys doing this obviously wont do the trick, so work hard to make your dreams come true, because I will, regardless of what you think, regardless of what you do, and regardless of WHAT IS POSSIBLE!

    PS: FUCK YOU REALITY!

  105. erica (2011-12-10) #

    well i really would like to have super powers cause i wish i could destroy everybody that makes me feel like i dont belong here always treating me like crap:(

  106. erica (2011-12-14) #

    I just broke up with my boyfriend it really burn alot but i had to makes me fell horable if you read this pleas write something that will make me froget about him :/

  107. Sean Michael McDoniel (2011-12-18) #

    I would like the power of telekinesis, shape-shifting, regeneration, and immortality. I fucking hate reality and how it doesn't allow anyone to do anything out of the ordinary. I want to change that!

  108. ram (2011-12-19) #

    immortality :P

  109. Joe Leonard (2011-12-19) #

    I always thought a cool superpower would be the ability to know what people really think of you and say about you behind your back, good or bad. It would either kill you or make you a much better person. It would also allow you to know who your true friends and arch enemies are. In a movie version of this you could also have the the hero ethically not use this power on the girl he likes, but then in order to save the day, he has to use it on her at the end of the movie and finds out... well, i guess you will just have to see the movie.

  110. Rubayeet (2011-12-19) #

    The power of 'inception'.

    Sneak into a person's sub-conscience, implant an idea.

    Of course, I'll use my ability only for the good!

  111. Naitri (2011-12-19) #

    Hey Derek,
    This is such a lovely post smile
    I suppose my ideal superpower would be the ability to obtain and retain information. I abide by the principle that knowledge is true power, and the pursuit of knowledge is one of the most worthwhile endeavors.

    Cheers,
    Naitri

  112. Sam Lammie (2011-12-19) #

    Love this public post. But isn't the quest for the grail in knowing the right question to ask. Not sure that I know the right question, but I would hazard to say that my super power would be to know or realize that I do. That each of us in our thoughts and words may generate and have the power to forge 2- and 3-order effects that influence much. But of course this scenario would only work if we are alone on this planet ( I.e., that there are no other higher powers involved). And for that I am not so sure.

  113. Henny (2011-12-20) #

    Derek, I want the Super-Power not to feel Powerless!
    I want the Super-Power to have Energy.
    I also want the Super-Power to feel Well.
    I want the Super-Power to unblock myself!
    I need all the Super-Power there is...
    Henny

  114. Aylin (2011-12-20) #

    The ability to learn everything!

  115. Aylin (2011-12-20) #

    The ability to use 100% of my brain(super brain power)

  116. Win Nguyen (2011-12-23) #

    Apparently I want super-power from the quiz you shared Derek. At the moment though I'd have to pick the power to know it all. Jumped out the most from your list of powers. And if I may have one of my own, I'd have the power to heal the world.

  117. Jigar Gosar (2011-12-25) #

    To be able to sleep at will...

  118. Kerry (2011-12-26) #

    I would like the ability to control, manipulate, and create all forms of energy. Also to do magic. I could do anything with this, in a sense. I could do anything I wanted to. Cast spells at will, use magic any time, etc... I could even unlock other powers as well. I would really like to help the world, if only I had these powers. I hate how the human body is complex but so easily harmed or killed.

  119. Kam (2012-01-02) #

    I would want the power to create an control. The thoughts and ideas and imagination could could created by inducement of fellings. I would create dimensions home to Theme Parks, Different worlds and create a system that everyone could understand. (money, tax etc). I would not want selfish things like things would only Benifit me. I would share my creations.

  120. S. w M (2012-01-14) #

    I want the power to freez, heat, and control water with a different motion of my hand

  121. Jayla Miranda Chapman (2012-01-29) #

    If I could have a power it would be wind. It's a cool breeze that feels nice. If I had the power of wind I could make tornadoes or fly. Wind is not a simple weak thing it's my favorite thing.

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