Scientists say they're getting closer to Matrix-style instant learning http://io9.com/5867113/scientists-s...towards-matrix+style-learning--but-is-it-safe I am obviously very skeptical. It is one thing to learn a purely mental activity such as chess by downloading the knowledge onto a brain. However, I find it far more fantastic that it can be done with something like a martial art or playing an instrument, since the body has its own learing to do too. It isn't just simply programming the brain. Still, fascinating.
But, but, but nitro, my good man, is not the body controlled by the brain, or are we not including the brain stem as part of the brain?
Foreign languages would be a bridge between purely intellectual things like chess, and mind/body things like Kung Fu since you have to master your lips, tongue, mouth jaw and throat. I agree that it is one of the obviuous first try, and a very exciting one.
Sort of. Downloading into your brain how to run a martathon, you would be an expert on how to run a marathon, but your body would still not comply if you also did not train it for the run. Same thing with many sports. For example, knoweldge of how to play tennis or soccer etc doesn't mean you can go on a tennis/soccer field and compete with world class tennis/soccer players. You might say, well all I would have to do then is to condition the body since I already have the mental skill. What I claim is that each sport requires its own type of conditioning, and that is part of the learning that muscles do too, not the brain stem.
Kung Fu strictly for self defense could have a lot of things in it that don't require conditioning, don't require much strength. I wonder if these scientists could teach us to flow our chi...
Yeah, love that song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIFIR_Zj5YY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4FuO99pYoQ