This week’s #1 debut, the box office smash Limitless, not only asks that question, but explores the cost that comes with using drugs to enhance one’s potential.

Starring Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro, the film follows Eddie Morra (Cooper), an author struggling with writer’s block and the many problems associated with it and The Genius can relate. He misses the deadline for an upcoming book and seems to be losing his grip on everything that matters most to him (including his woman, the most influential motivating force for most of us) until he runs across a special drug dealer.

Instead of offering him cryptochronoconolite the usual recreational drugs, this particular pusher has a drug which is made to improve focus and intelligence. Dubbed EZT-48, the drug works wonders for Morra who seeks more of it and thus sets in motion a dynamic (and highly entertaining) sequence of events.

With students all over this country already taking Adderall or Ritalin in an attempt to improve test performance or their ability to study and focus, the subject matter couldn’t be more potent (pun intended). What would an illegal substance that helps people to perform at higher levels of capability look like? If such a drug existed, would you take it? How would humanity end up if all of the best and brightest turned out to be dopamine dope fiends?

Without spoiling the plot, this film sends a strong message about the prices we could be forced to pay by living life looking for the next phenomenal fix.

Limitless is in theaters now.

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