Slate Star Codex
Biodjinnetics
Read the original ↗Archive summary
Fiction by Scott Alexander
Summary from Read Scott Alexander; separate from the original essay.“In exchange for freeing me from this lamp, you may ask me one question,” said the genie.
“Not three?” I protested.
“Just one,” said the genie.
“What is the cure for cancer?” I asked.
“A compound called oxymercuriphine, found in the venom of the two-toed toad of Toronto,” said the genie. “Cures 100% of all cancers.”
“Huh,” I said. “Thank you. And here I was worrying you were one of those evil genies who would satisfy the letter of the wish while actually being totally useless.”
“Me?” said the genie, as he faded from view. “Never. That molecule is the genuine article and I wish you only the best of luck getting the fifty million dollars or so needed to push it through years of FDA clinical trials.”
Written by Scott Alexander. Support the writing →
Source snapshot: 2026-10-18. Likes unavailable · 32 comments; counts at capture, no local voting or comments.