[chairmanwow]

A fantastic book by Vernon Vinge called “A Deepness in the Sky” toys around with this idea a lot actually.

There is a virus that can release neurotoxins and it is flipped in very specific parts of the brain with a MRI-like device. This can elicit a state of “Focus” where the person (victim more like) becomes totally obsessed with a particular idea or subject. They devote all energy towards this subject and can make stunning breakthroughs on difficult topics because they are utterly and completely _obssessed_ with whatever topic they are supposed to be.

They are held captives by their own fascination and work as slaves.

I know this is taking the idea a bit far from the point, but it’s an interesting extension of the idea.

[zaroth]

Thank you so much. I read this book when it came out 20 years ago and have been trying to remember what it was called at odd times, On and Off, for roughly the last decade, specifically because of the plot point of the “Focus” virus.

[joncrane]

Being obsessed with something is indeed a lot like slavery, or indentured servitude. But the difference is it was my idea.