# What \*limited\* Superpower would you like to have? aka Superabilities for Fun and Profit **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 26, 2012, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450 "2012-07-26T14:25:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2012, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/21 "2012-07-27T18:46:57Z")
> [@A Monkey With a Gun](#): > > The moments after I say “stop” and am the only one moving (a phenomenon known as “Hammer time”)… You are a funny monkey. I’d take super speed. I’d even limit it to 200mph and I could only sustain it for one hour and then I would have to wait at least another hour to recharge. My commute is 40 minutes and 20 miles. It would be so sweet to get to work in roughly 7 minutes\*. I could sleep in an extra half hour and would get home a half hour earlier. Plus I could go traveling around in a reasonable amount of time with out a car. I could hit up Disneyland in about half an hour versus an hour and a half that google maps say it would take me by car. I’ve also thought about having a wallet where everytime I opened it there would be $200 in 20’s.I’d never be a millionaire, the gubbamint might get suspicious, but I’d alsways have gas, gambling, bills, grocery money and money for restuarants. In fact I’d probably never cook at home again. That would save me a lot of money from my paycheck. But that might be too much. I’d take either of those. \*If I mathed that correctly. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/22 "2012-07-28T03:43:53Z")
So do you mean everyone in the world gets the same powers, so there’s _n_ number of telepaths?, or everyone gets\* a\* power? Me, I’d want something like what the [Absorbing Man](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorbing_Man#Old_Man_Logan) has= think of the possibilities? ---
**Author:** ![Atomic\_Alex](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atomic_alex/32/175_2.png) [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/23 "2012-07-28T08:14:02Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > So do you mean everyone in the world gets the same powers, so there’s _n_ number of telepaths?, or everyone gets\* a\* power? Me, I’d want something like what the [Absorbing Man](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorbing_Man#Old_Man_Logan) has= think of the possibilities? Everyone gets _a_ power, apparently at random, but its fun to speculate what power you would _like_ to have. And in the scenario I meant that there are no Magneto power-level effectively godlike individuals. For example if a person has telekinesis their power-levels and method of operation may vary but there will be no-one above a certain upper-limit of ability and of those ‘top-level’ telepaths there will be several hundred world-wide out of possibly millions of telepaths…if that makes any sense… Or as Ethilrist alludes to regarding his/her ‘alchemy’ power, while some powers are rarer than others with almost 7 billion people on the planet even with an obscure ability you aren’t going to be the only person with it. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/24 "2012-07-28T08:23:31Z")
The power of luck. I’ll take it at whatever the top end is. I’d live a life full of stumbling across 20-dollar-bills on the sidewalk, never getting sick, hitting winning lotto tickets, getting to the bus stop JUST IN TIME, always getting the best seat in the movie theater, getting shot by a robber but it turns out the bullet hit a deck of cards that I’d kept in my wallet and then it turns out that the bullet is traced back to a notorious serial killer and now I’m a hero, etc. ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/25 "2012-07-28T09:29:22Z")
My power used to be that I once knew every fact in the world, but I’m really damn forgetful and can never recall pertinent facts. My other power is that I have an enormous penis, but whenever it becomes engorged, I become tired to the point of narcolepsy and can therefore never use it properly. My powers of knowing when milk has gone 1 day past the sell-by date, and my sense of when others will cough has done little to improve my life t all. My best power is the one that tells me exactly who farted and what they ate last. Quite helpful when dividing the check evenly when work people go out to eat. ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/26 "2012-07-28T11:03:54Z")
Assuming it comes with some sort of basic shielding against the natural hazards of using it, flight. ---
**Author:** ![GrizzRich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7ba0ec/32.png) [@GrizzRich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrizzRich)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 11:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/27 "2012-07-28T11:20:10Z")
I came up with this “super-power wish” the other day while waiting at a traffic light. To telekenetically destroy the entire audio system of those who insist on having HUGE bass-systems in their cars that can be heard a block away. But, that may just be the curmedgeon in me ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/28 "2012-07-28T11:26:14Z")
> [@GrizzRich](#): > > I came up with this “super-power wish” the other day while waiting at a traffic light. To telekenetically destroy the entire audio system of those who insist on having HUGE bass-systems in their cars that can be heard a block away. > > But, that may just be the curmedgeon in me Oh, I’ve wished for that kind of power for _years_. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/29 "2012-07-28T14:36:07Z")
> [@GrizzRich](#): > > I came up with this “super-power wish” the other day while waiting at a traffic light. To telekenetically destroy the entire audio system of those who insist on having HUGE bass-systems in their cars that can be heard a block away. > > But, that may just be the curmedgeon in me Or just to change the music. Try polka, punk! And I guess Absorbing Man is too powerful for this scenario. Maybe just do a Colossus-able to go steel. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/30 "2012-07-28T15:11:19Z")
I’d like to be able to judge if people are telling the truth. Not to read minds, so much, just to know if someone really believes what they are saying. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/31 "2012-07-28T19:38:16Z")
I have to post this: [After hours](http://www.cracked.com/video_18289_the-best-super-power-is-not-what-you-think.html), It’s pretty much dead on as to this thread. I love it. ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2012, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/32 "2012-07-28T21:01:46Z")
Monkey, we like to have posters say a word or two about links or videos they post so people know what they are clicking on, or can participate if not on a video friendly connection. (I think this is unwritten ettiquette, if it’s an actual rule, I apologize for the junior modding). ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/33 "2012-07-29T04:35:38Z")
> [@jackdavinci](#): > > Monkey, we like to have posters say a word or two about links or videos they post so people know what they are clicking on, or can participate if not on a video friendly connection. (I think this is unwritten ettiquette, if it’s an actual rule, I apologize for the junior modding). I’m sorry, **Jack** , I have never come across that in my eleven years here. I am truly sorry if naming the video by its title was not enough for you, and in the future I promise to send you a complete notarized transcript before I post a link to a video. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/34 "2012-07-29T04:41:28Z")
Maybe after 12 years you’ll know better. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/35 "2012-07-29T04:42:48Z")
Live and learn, that’s my motto. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/36 "2012-07-29T04:48:14Z")
Should be your power! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/37 "2012-07-29T05:00:40Z")
> [@A Monkey With a Gun](#): > > I’m sorry, **Jack** , I have never come across that in my eleven years here. I am truly sorry if naming the video by its title was not enough for you, and in the future I promise to send you a complete notarized transcript before I post a link to a video. Ah. It appears you don’t know **Jack**. Couldn’t resist. ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/38 "2012-07-29T08:13:35Z")
> [@A Monkey With a Gun](#): > > I’m sorry, **Jack** , I have never come across that in my eleven years here. I am truly sorry if naming the video by its title was not enough for you, and in the future I promise to send you a complete notarized transcript before I post a link to a video. No problem Monkey. Really, a sentence or two is fine. 🙂 I wasn’t able to view the video in my device and had trouble guessing what it was about just from the title. I just want to feel included 😉 ---
**Author:** ![jackdavinci](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackdavinci/32/3259_2.png) [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/39 "2012-07-29T08:14:44Z")
> [@dnooman](#): > > Ah. It appears you don’t know **Jack**. > > Couldn’t resist. Yes, but do you ever truly know a person? We all contain magnitudes. ---
**Author:** ![armedmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2012, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450/40 "2012-07-29T08:43:56Z")
> [@jackdavinci](#): > > No problem Monkey. Really, a sentence or two is fine. 🙂 I wasn’t able to view the video in my device and had trouble guessing what it was about just from the title. I just want to feel included 😉 The sarcasm wasn’t because of your general point, it was the way you said it. “Dude, tell me it’s a video next time” would be one thing, but starting a post with “We like to have posters…” is patronizing and worthy of derision. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-limited-superpower-would-you-like-to-have-aka-superabilities-for-fun-and-profit/629450.md?page=3)