Fascinating story @comagnum and as you say, what you get on the way up you repay on the way down. The film Limitless purveys the message perfectly, just ignore the part where he perfects it as that is just hollywood dreams. Tell me, if there really were a pill that could do that for you, much like in the film, wouldn't it be a well kept secret?
What's the breakfast of choice for Silicon Valley execs? A micro-dose of LSD. No, it's not a joke, read up on it, I think it's got real merit.
Crazy story, however, don't assume that the "Nootropics" that Gen Y is taking are anything like GHB. The main compound in question, Piracetam, has proven to be quite non-toxic in pretty much every study since the 60's- Even in extreme doses. In comparison, GHB induces oxidative stress, even low doses over a prolonged period has shown to produce neurotoxic effects.
Even if such drugs do work, one has to question what side-effects, both short-term and long-term, they would have. Not to mention that I am curious what kind of clinical trials they pass before being released on the market.
IF people were just happy with what they have got, then the world would go backwards. So you mean to say that someone who has a known genetic gene mutation which evolves into a full blown cancer, should just accept that they have cancer, and be happy with the fact that they're going to die before many of their peers.... Because it's just the way that natural selection works right. Rather than a stupid pill you could just watch FOX or CNN, or better still- CNBC. Consumer a couple of cold ones while you're at, and you'll be stpuid in no time.
Orrrr..... you can watch them to divine what memes are being fed to the herd,..... think critically for yourself,...... and plan/trade accordingly. Ever think of that?
There is a Limitless TV series, derived from the movie, on Amazon prime or your favorite torrent site. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limitless_(TV_series)