Summary. The movie Limitless explores what might happen if there was a drug with the power to enhance the human mind to optimal performance. [Buy Now]
Resources. Here are some resources for the movie.
- IMDB (Internet Movie Database)
- Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
- TheClearPill.com
- Trailers and Video Clips on Apple.com
- Wikipedia Page
- WouldYouTakeIt.com
- YouTube Channel (Standard)
- YouTube Channel (Enhanced)
Although the movie is mostly based on fiction, it contains some elements of truth which make it more believable.
The fictional drug in the movie is called NZT or “The Clear Pill” and a parody pharmaceutical website was created to promote the movie and describe more of the back story about the drug. The claims on the website parallel and expand upon the details revealed in the movie about the drug.
The claims made about the benefits of NZT are similar to the real-life experiences that people have when consuming caffeinated coffee or energy drinks. From the NZT website:
“Many people report experiencing feelings of euphoria within 30 to 60 seconds of taking NZT. Others have reported significantly increased memory – both in capacity and speed of recall – within the first 24 hours of taking their first dose of NZT. You will be able to digest vast amounts of information in a very short amount of time – a foreign language, for instance; you will be able to memorize not only a considerable amount of vocabulary but usage rules, idiomatics, phrases, sentences and situational expressions. Because NZT is a new class of brain stimulant, it will reduce your brain’s need for extended rest periods; i.e. sleep. Also, NZT may allow you to exercise for longer periods with greater efficacy. You will feel stronger, faster, more focused.” [source]
NZT Advertisement. Below is an advertisement for NZT with a narrative that describes the drug’s benefits and side-effects with scenes from the movie as a backdrop.
NZT Side-Effects. The negative side-effects of NZT, such as severe energy and mental crashes, are also similar to the crash that people feel when they stop consuming coffee or energy drinks after long periods of regular use.
Practical Applications. The movie offers some practical advice that may apply to people who regularly use coffee or energy drinks. According to the main character in the movie, “I found if I maintained an even dose, remembered to eat, drank no alcohol, the blackouts didn’t occur.” One of the problems with caffein is that most people overuse it. When the mental and energy boost wears off, it’s common to experience a significant energy drop. Those trying to quit suffer from headaches. By tapering back to a single small coffee per day in the morning, one can experience benefits of clearer thinking without drawbacks of excessive use.
Potential Dangers of Coffee. When used in moderation, as a thought enhancement supplement, coffee can be quite useful. Unfortunately, coffee and caffein-rich beverages are often used by people wanting to stay awake. This impedes a person’s ability to get long periods of quality sleep. When you do sleep, under the influence of caffeine jitters, a formal sleep study would reveal poorer quality sleep. So, even though a coffee drinker perceives they are getting sleep, like anyone with a sleep impediment condition, the sleep is lighter and over a period of time, cumulative sleep deprivation takes its tole, “even slightly less sleep can affect your ability to think properly and respond quickly, and compromise your cardiovascular health, energy balance, and ability to fight infections.” Another drawback of coffee consumption is dehydration. Most people forget to stay hydrated when drinking coffee so they suffer from the long list of negative dehydration side effects, such as “dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, heart palpitations, confusion, sluggishness.” All this generally results in the energy crash mentioned previously. Because dehydration and poor sleep have a negative impact on metabolic processes, coffee misuse can result in weight gain. All these negative aspects can be avoided if a person takes smaller amounts and only in the morning, combined with drinking lots of water and exercising regularly.
Four Types of Coffee Beans. “In this article, we will introduce and identify characteristics of the four main types of coffee beans currently in commercial circulation: Arabica, Robusta, and the less common Liberica and Excelsa coffee beans.” [More…]
Mind Altering Substances and Activities. There are a variety of substances and activities that are known to enhance mental function and overall human potential. Here’s a short list of the most powerful examples.
- Brain Mind Supplements such as Mind Power Rx and Sharp Mind
- Cardiovascular Exercise
- Coffee
- Hydration
- Meditation
- Sleep
- Veganism or Vegetarianism
- Yoga
Real Life NZT? A moderate combination of the above additives and activities could possibly create a mental and physical experience similar to the drug NZT portrayed in the movie.
Medical Opinion. Regarding caffein, a report found on WebMD, Brain Foods that Help You Concentrate, states, “There’s no magic bullet to boost IQ or make you smarter — but certain substances, like caffeine, can energize and help you focus and concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up buzz — though the effects are short term.” [source]
Synopsis Video. Below is a synopsis presented by Bradley Cooper, the actor playing the part of Eddie Morra — the main character in the movie.
Quote. Below is a quote from the movie.
“I don’t have delusions of grandeur. I have a recipe for grandeur. . . . Where it will take us a year from now. You can’t imagine. The kind of life we’ll be able to live.” ~ Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper) from Limitless
Brain Research. Dr. Daniel Amen has studied the impact of nutrients and supplements on the human brain. His findings are posted on the AmenClinics.net website. In summary, his research suggests that certain super-foods and super-nutrients can supercharge the brain. Once the brain is highly functioning, then the rest of a person’s thoughts and actions are optimized, causing an overall life improvement.
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* “I’m grateful to my wife, Makur, for finding this movie!” ~ Greg Johnson