Reed Richards Is Useless: Difference between revisions

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This trope is often associated with the [[Fantastic Aesop]] that these problems don't have easy solutions in the real world, and any proposed sci-fi solutions will have negative side-effect or potential for abuse that justifies completely abandoning all hope of trying to solve the problem. However, as superhero comics especially have begun to explore the ramifications of their characters on real-world settings more closely over the years, this question has been raised and addressed more frequently. It is sometimes [[Lampshade|lampshaded]] as making people "[[Holding Out for a Hero|too dependent]]" on superheroes.
This trope is often associated with the [[Fantastic Aesop]] that these problems don't have easy solutions in the real world, and any proposed sci-fi solutions will have negative side-effect or potential for abuse that justifies completely abandoning all hope of trying to solve the problem. However, as superhero comics especially have begun to explore the ramifications of their characters on real-world settings more closely over the years, this question has been raised and addressed more frequently. It is sometimes [[Lampshade|lampshaded]] as making people "[[Holding Out for a Hero|too dependent]]" on superheroes.


Smaller-scale continuities such as newly-created [[Superhero]] universes with a single author to explore the fictional world in 1 or 2 titles are more likely to avert and examine the concept of super-technology's effect on modern society, especially if the writer is trying to make a geopolitical statement. Larger superhero continuities, such as Marvel and DC (with an average 24 titles per month), are established to have upheld this trope as their Earths have been explored in extensive detail. The trope can be inverted by having a hero "inventing" a technological revolution that already exists (for example, the [[Ultimate Universe]] Iron Man apparently invented the [[MP 3]] player). Recently, Marvel and DC have been making baby steps in averting this trend (i.e. having the current Venom use his powers to cure addicts, Barbara Gordon regaining her mobility etc.).
Smaller-scale continuities such as newly-created [[Superhero]] universes with a single author to explore the fictional world in 1 or 2 titles are more likely to avert and examine the concept of super-technology's effect on modern society, especially if the writer is trying to make a geopolitical statement. Larger superhero continuities, such as Marvel and DC (with an average 24 titles per month), are established to have upheld this trope as their Earths have been explored in extensive detail. The trope can be inverted by having a hero "inventing" a technological revolution that already exists (for example, the [[Ultimate Universe]] Iron Man apparently invented the [[MP3]] player). Recently, Marvel and DC have been making baby steps in averting this trend (i.e. having the current Venom use his powers to cure addicts, Barbara Gordon regaining her mobility etc.).


This applies to supervillains as well, [[Cut Lex Luthor a Check|albeit for different reasons]].
This applies to supervillains as well, [[Cut Lex Luthor a Check|albeit for different reasons]].
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New DC Universe:
New DC Universe:
* Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) had her mobility restored as a result of undergoing an experimental surgical procedure in South Africa. Gail Simone in [http://www.newsarama.com/comics/gail-simone-batgirl-cure-revelations-120111.html this interview] notes that South Africa actually does a lot of work in this area, and that despite public perceptions in various cases spinal damage ''can'' be repaired and mobility regained.
* Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) had her mobility restored as a result of undergoing an experimental surgical procedure in South Africa. Gail Simone in [http://www.newsarama.com/comics/gail-simone-batgirl-cure-revelations-120111.html this interview] notes that South Africa actually does a lot of work in this area, and that despite public perceptions in various cases spinal damage ''can'' be repaired and mobility regained.
* Upon regaining his human form, Swamp Thing (Alec Holland), tried to replicate the eco-restorative formula that originally gave him his superpowers. Alec then decided to destroy the formula, believing (from his own experiences as Swamp Thing) that the plant world was quite violent and that submersing the Earth in it would be a bad thing.
* Upon regaining his human form, Swamp Thing (Alec Holland), tried to replicate the eco-restorative formula that originally gave him his superpowers. Alec then decided to destroy the formula, believing (from his own experiences as Swamp Thing) that the plant world was quite violent and that submersing the Earth in it would be a bad thing.
* Deathstroke assassinated a philanthropist who was reverse engineering super-villain technology for benevolent causes (i.e. using freeze guns to reverse polar ice cap melting). No reason was given as to why Deathstroke was hired to kill the philanthropist.
* Deathstroke assassinated a philanthropist who was reverse engineering super-villain technology for benevolent causes (i.e. using freeze guns to reverse polar ice cap melting). No reason was given as to why Deathstroke was hired to kill the philanthropist.
* At the beginning of his career, Superman was an anti-establishment figure who took on corrupt businessmen, politicians, and wife abusers.
* At the beginning of his career, Superman was an anti-establishment figure who took on corrupt businessmen, politicians, and wife abusers.
* In the [[Resurrection Man]] series, it is established that the cost of one anti-ballistic personalized force field costs $2 billion to make and $500,000/day to operate.
* In the [[Resurrection Man]] series, it is established that the cost of one anti-ballistic personalized force field costs $2 billion to make and $500,000/day to operate.


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* In ''Dark Reign: The Hood'', several of the Hood's operatives get to wondering just why they do like they do instead of what they could. "Chemistro. Centurious. Controller. A veritable think tank of geniuses. But why do we follow?" Yeah, you know things are messed up when Dr. Demonicus is the voice of reason.
* In ''Dark Reign: The Hood'', several of the Hood's operatives get to wondering just why they do like they do instead of what they could. "Chemistro. Centurious. Controller. A veritable think tank of geniuses. But why do we follow?" Yeah, you know things are messed up when Dr. Demonicus is the voice of reason.
* This premise is partly explained by the Marvel Universe's Watchers' intention not to interfere in the affairs of other races. They originally shared their scientific knowledge with a primitive alien race who used the newfound knowledge to become spacefaring. Eventually this alien race with abundant technological gains declared war on a race far more powerful than them and were obliterated as a result. This led the Watchers to being non-interventionists.
* This premise is partly explained by the Marvel Universe's Watchers' intention not to interfere in the affairs of other races. They originally shared their scientific knowledge with a primitive alien race who used the newfound knowledge to become spacefaring. Eventually this alien race with abundant technological gains declared war on a race far more powerful than them and were obliterated as a result. This led the Watchers to being non-interventionists.
* Naturally, all of Marvel's brains turn up useless if the plotline calls for it. In ''[[One More Day]]'', none of Marvel's brains were able to prevent Aunt May's death (or remember the things which have healed much worse injuries). Including [[Doctor Strange]], who (in addition being Sorcerer Supreme), was a ''neurosurgeon.'' Enter [[Deal with the Devil|Mephisto.]] And at the end of [[Joss Whedon]]'s run on ''[[Astonishing X Men]]'', Cyclops said that he had contacted Reed, Hank Pym and the other brain trust members, who were unable to rescue Kitty from the giant bullet. In both cases, the writer wanted to set up a specific plot resolution which wouldn't have been possible if Reed Richards (and the other brains) weren't useless.
* Naturally, all of Marvel's brains turn up useless if the plotline calls for it. In ''[[One More Day]]'', none of Marvel's brains were able to prevent Aunt May's death (or remember the things which have healed much worse injuries). Including [[Doctor Strange]], who (in addition being Sorcerer Supreme), was a ''neurosurgeon.'' Enter [[Deal with the Devil|Mephisto.]] And at the end of [[Joss Whedon]]'s run on ''[[Astonishing X Men]]'', Cyclops said that he had contacted Reed, Hank Pym and the other brain trust members, who were unable to rescue Kitty from the giant bullet. In both cases, the writer wanted to set up a specific plot resolution which wouldn't have been possible if Reed Richards (and the other brains) weren't useless.
* The presence of Captain America and the Invaders didn't make World War II turn out any differently, even though Cap punches out [[Hitler]] and Tojo on at least one cover along with the Invaders routinely decimating Axis forces. Nowadays it's assumed that those super-heroes mostly served to cancel out the efforts of the equally fantastic Red Skull and other Axis supervillains, resulting in a war that played out exactly as though neither of them had existed.
* The presence of Captain America and the Invaders didn't make World War II turn out any differently, even though Cap punches out [[Hitler]] and Tojo on at least one cover along with the Invaders routinely decimating Axis forces. Nowadays it's assumed that those super-heroes mostly served to cancel out the efforts of the equally fantastic Red Skull and other Axis supervillains, resulting in a war that played out exactly as though neither of them had existed.
* In the case of [[Storm]] and other characters with weather-manipulation powers, it's been suggested that continual use of their powers would destabilize weather patterns (as demonstrated in one battle between the X-Men and Alpha Flight where one members self-generated blizzard wrecked havoc on the weather cycle). Most weather controllers aren't creating weather out of nothingness, they're manipulating the existing environment, and drawing resources such as airborne moisture towards one location simply draws those resources away from other areas in need.
* In the case of [[Storm]] and other characters with weather-manipulation powers, it's been suggested that continual use of their powers would destabilize weather patterns (as demonstrated in one battle between the X-Men and Alpha Flight where one members self-generated blizzard wrecked havoc on the weather cycle). Most weather controllers aren't creating weather out of nothingness, they're manipulating the existing environment, and drawing resources such as airborne moisture towards one location simply draws those resources away from other areas in need.
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* In one storyline in the X-Men during the late-80's, a bunch of COLLEGE STUDENTS first try to kill Xavier by mutant bashing him. Failing at that, they then booby-trap his university office with an ANTI-TELEPATHY DEVICE! The apparent implications of ordinary people having access to such advanced technology is never explored. But incidents like this are very widespread in the Marvel Universe, raising the question of why Reed seems disinclined to put most of his technology on the market. Availability of advanced technology is very erratic and driven solely by writer's whims. As a rule, gadgets that can be used to harm superheroes outnumber more practical consumer devices by a fairly wide margin.
* In one storyline in the X-Men during the late-80's, a bunch of COLLEGE STUDENTS first try to kill Xavier by mutant bashing him. Failing at that, they then booby-trap his university office with an ANTI-TELEPATHY DEVICE! The apparent implications of ordinary people having access to such advanced technology is never explored. But incidents like this are very widespread in the Marvel Universe, raising the question of why Reed seems disinclined to put most of his technology on the market. Availability of advanced technology is very erratic and driven solely by writer's whims. As a rule, gadgets that can be used to harm superheroes outnumber more practical consumer devices by a fairly wide margin.
** Similar to the inconsistency of the first ''Marvel 2099'' line where a common crime was organ theft. However, at least one issue mentioned that cloned organ transplantations were available to the public (the way it was mentioned also suggested that the cloning procedure was a rather routine operation), thus rendering organ theft redundant.
** Similar to the inconsistency of the first ''Marvel 2099'' line where a common crime was organ theft. However, at least one issue mentioned that cloned organ transplantations were available to the public (the way it was mentioned also suggested that the cloning procedure was a rather routine operation), thus rendering organ theft redundant.
* [[Damage Control]], a company that repairs the damage to New York caused by superhero battles, is implied to be highly effective as New York can be devastated in one issue yet return to normal by the next storyline. However, Damage Control seems unable to treat real world disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and 9/11.
* [[Damage Control]], a company that repairs the damage to New York caused by superhero battles, is implied to be highly effective as New York can be devastated in one issue yet return to normal by the next storyline. However, Damage Control seems unable to treat real world disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and 9/11.
* During the ''[[Secret Invasion]]'' storyline, Norman Osborne creates a weapon to kill Deadpool that could also theoretically cure cancer. In an absolutely spectacular display of idiocy, he never thinks to release this to the public and thus generate obscene amounts of money and good publicity.
* During the ''[[Secret Invasion]]'' storyline, Norman Osborne creates a weapon to kill Deadpool that could also theoretically cure cancer. In an absolutely spectacular display of idiocy, he never thinks to release this to the public and thus generate obscene amounts of money and good publicity.
* Given the reckless use of their superpowers in early appearances, it is a surprise that the X-Men and Fantastic Four were not "useless" if not downright dangerous as superheroes (http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/linkara/at4w/33215-all-star-comics-8-and-the-fantastic-four-1 and http://atopfourthwall.blogspot.com/2010/11/x-men-1.html).
* Given the reckless use of their superpowers in early appearances, it is a surprise that the X-Men and Fantastic Four were not "useless" if not downright dangerous as superheroes (http://thatguywiththeglasses.com/videolinks/linkara/at4w/33215-all-star-comics-8-and-the-fantastic-four-1 and http://atopfourthwall.blogspot.com/2010/11/x-men-1.html).
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* In New Avengers 19, some AIM agents stole some of Wolverine's blood to make manufacture bio-weapons. Iron Man then replied, "Do you realize how far we would advance as a technological species if we didn't have to put up with this every ten minutes?"
* In New Avengers 19, some AIM agents stole some of Wolverine's blood to make manufacture bio-weapons. Iron Man then replied, "Do you realize how far we would advance as a technological species if we didn't have to put up with this every ten minutes?"
* At the beginning of Grant Morrison's "E For Extinction" storyline in New X-Men, Wolverine breaks down the cost behind the various parts that make up a Seintinel robot.
* At the beginning of Grant Morrison's "E For Extinction" storyline in New X-Men, Wolverine breaks down the cost behind the various parts that make up a Seintinel robot.
* Before he became the Sorceror Supreme, [[Doctor Strange]] was a brilliant yet arrogant neurosurgeon. When one charity approached him to help them cure a disease, Dr. Strange refused as there was little if any money involved.
* Before he became the Sorceror Supreme, [[Doctor Strange]] was a brilliant yet arrogant neurosurgeon. When one charity approached him to help them cure a disease, Dr. Strange refused as there was little if any money involved.
* There was this one Marvel webcomic focusing on a documentary exploring whether or not Galactus was a myth. There were commercials advertising products only available in the Marvel Universe. This troper never read the comic book, only read about it. If anyone knows the name of the story, please share it.
* There was this one Marvel webcomic focusing on a documentary exploring whether or not Galactus was a myth. There were commercials advertising products only available in the Marvel Universe. This troper never read the comic book, only read about it. If anyone knows the name of the story, please share it.


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* At the end of David Hine's ''Spawn: Armageddon'' storyline, Spawn is recreating the universe after the cataclysmic battle between heaven and hell. When Spawn is asked if he wants to cure the common cold or end global warming, Spawn says no, for he has done enough for humanity and it is now time for them to solve their own problems.
* At the end of David Hine's ''Spawn: Armageddon'' storyline, Spawn is recreating the universe after the cataclysmic battle between heaven and hell. When Spawn is asked if he wants to cure the common cold or end global warming, Spawn says no, for he has done enough for humanity and it is now time for them to solve their own problems.
* Played with in ''The Uniques''. The eponymous super-beings played a major role in all of their world's events since they emerged in late 1930s, but in the end, but no matter how many divergences they created, the end results weren't that different from the real world.
* Played with in ''The Uniques''. The eponymous super-beings played a major role in all of their world's events since they emerged in late 1930s, but in the end, but no matter how many divergences they created, the end results weren't that different from the real world.
* In ''[[Judge Dredd]]'', the availability of superscience to the public varies from storyline to storyline. In some issues, organ theft/traficking are major crime operations. In other issues, hospitals regularly provide cloned organ transplantations to patients (thus making organ theft/traficking redundant).
* In ''[[Judge Dredd]]'', the availability of superscience to the public varies from storyline to storyline. In some issues, organ theft/traficking are major crime operations. In other issues, hospitals regularly provide cloned organ transplantations to patients (thus making organ theft/traficking redundant).
* In ''Supreme Power: Nighthawk vs. Hyperion'', Nighthawk lures Hyperion to Darfur in hopes that Hyperion will become more proactive on the country's suffering. Hyperion kills Sudanese President Al-Hamas, although the disposed President assures Hyperion that another brutal ruler will just replace him. The story ends with superpowered Africans ordering the titular characters to leave, saying that two people can't fix a country of millions of people.
* In ''Supreme Power: Nighthawk vs. Hyperion'', Nighthawk lures Hyperion to Darfur in hopes that Hyperion will become more proactive on the country's suffering. Hyperion kills Sudanese President Al-Hamas, although the disposed President assures Hyperion that another brutal ruler will just replace him. The story ends with superpowered Africans ordering the titular characters to leave, saying that two people can't fix a country of millions of people.
* Gyro Gearloose from the [[Disney Ducks Comic Universe]]. Over the course of time, [[Depending on the Writer|the many different writers]] did let him invent just about ''anything'', from simple mechanical contraptions which could theoretically also work in [[Real Life]], to [[Mohs Scale of Science Fiction Hardness|ultra-soft science fiction stuff]] like e.g. [[Time Machine|Time Machines]]. In spite of all this, Duckburg does always stay at the contemporary tech level.
* Gyro Gearloose from the [[Disney Ducks Comic Universe]]. Over the course of time, [[Depending on the Writer|the many different writers]] did let him invent just about ''anything'', from simple mechanical contraptions which could theoretically also work in [[Real Life]], to [[Mohs Scale of Science Fiction Hardness|ultra-soft science fiction stuff]] like e.g. [[Time Machine|Time Machines]]. In spite of all this, Duckburg does always stay at the contemporary tech level.
* In ''Sultry Teenage Super-Foxes'', the US military develops an "alchemy ray", which they test by turning dog poop into gold...and then the head scientist remarks that it's considered "too theoretical" for them to get more funding. [[Atop the Fourth Wall|Linkara]] flips out at this, pointing out that such a device is '''infinitely''' useful since it could be used to safely dispose of nuclear waste (among other uses). Of course, the machine is destroyed in the accident that creates the titular heroes, rendering the whole debate moot.
* In ''Sultry Teenage Super-Foxes'', the US military develops an "alchemy ray", which they test by turning dog poop into gold...and then the head scientist remarks that it's considered "too theoretical" for them to get more funding. [[Atop the Fourth Wall|Linkara]] flips out at this, pointing out that such a device is '''infinitely''' useful since it could be used to safely dispose of nuclear waste (among other uses). Of course, the machine is destroyed in the accident that creates the titular heroes, rendering the whole debate moot.
* Interestingly averted with Donald Duck and Scrooge McDuck, whose discoveries were later discovered in the real world. Donald Duck discovered a carbene called methylene (along with a particular reaction it caused) 20 years before scientists in the real world did. Scrooge McDuck also created a method of retrieving sunken ships that was later duplicated in the real world. Furthermore, Scrooge McDuck served as a major inspiration for Osamu Tekuza's (father of anime and manga) art style, as seen in ''[[Cracked.com]]'''s [http://www.cracked.com/article_19021_5-amazing-things-invented-by-donald-duck-seriously.html 5 Amazing Things Invented by Donald Duck].
* Interestingly averted with Donald Duck and Scrooge McDuck, whose discoveries were later discovered in the real world. Donald Duck discovered a carbene called methylene (along with a particular reaction it caused) 20 years before scientists in the real world did. Scrooge McDuck also created a method of retrieving sunken ships that was later duplicated in the real world. Furthermore, Scrooge McDuck served as a major inspiration for Osamu Tekuza's (father of anime and manga) art style, as seen in ''[[Cracked.com]]'''s [http://www.cracked.com/article_19021_5-amazing-things-invented-by-donald-duck-seriously.html 5 Amazing Things Invented by Donald Duck].
* In the comic book commentary show "Atop The Fourth Wall" host Linkara asks that why the scientist in Brute Force (who can grant human intelligence to animals and create transforming battle suits) doesn't use this technology to benefit people in wheelchairs.
* In the comic book commentary show "Atop The Fourth Wall" host Linkara asks that why the scientist in Brute Force (who can grant human intelligence to animals and create transforming battle suits) doesn't use this technology to benefit people in wheelchairs.
* In the graphic novel The Network (which was about a television network devoted exclusively to covering superhero news) one of the news headline explained "The heroes have the ability to end poverty and hunger. So why don't they? Find out in an exclusive interview with the Champion."
* In the graphic novel The Network (which was about a television network devoted exclusively to covering superhero news) one of the news headline explained "The heroes have the ability to end poverty and hunger. So why don't they? Find out in an exclusive interview with the Champion."
* Human brains can be transplanted into humanoid robots in Judge Dredd's Mega-City One. However, the cheapest model is $120,000 and over 80% of Mega-City One's residents are on permanent welfare.
* Human brains can be transplanted into humanoid robots in Judge Dredd's Mega-City One. However, the cheapest model is $120,000 and over 80% of Mega-City One's residents are on permanent welfare.


=== Ultimate Marvel Universe ===
=== Ultimate Marvel Universe ===
* This trope is more often averted in the Ultimate Marvel Universe than in the regular Marvel Universe (Earth 616). However, the aversions to these tropes are handwaved rather than made a main part of the story. However, these trends could have very well been undone in the event of mass superhero casualties and global destruction caused by the Ultimatium storyline.
* This trope is more often averted in the Ultimate Marvel Universe than in the regular Marvel Universe (Earth 616). However, the aversions to these tropes are handwaved rather than made a main part of the story. However, these trends could have very well been undone in the event of mass superhero casualties and global destruction caused by the Ultimatium storyline.
* [[Hand Wave|Handwaved]] in Ultimate Fantastic Four where it was stated that Reed Richards finished plans for a five-sensory television that was requested by the Baxter Building's corporate financiers. Two Japanese companies were also bidding over Reed Richards microscopic house technology. However, the time frame in which such technology would be made available to the public wasn't explained.
* [[Hand Wave|Handwaved]] in Ultimate Fantastic Four where it was stated that Reed Richards finished plans for a five-sensory television that was requested by the Baxter Building's corporate financiers. Two Japanese companies were also bidding over Reed Richards microscopic house technology. However, the time frame in which such technology would be made available to the public wasn't explained.
** Justified with Reed Richard's teleportation/dimensional crossing technology which has led to Earth being invaded by aliens and zombies on a couple of occasions.
** Justified with Reed Richard's teleportation/dimensional crossing technology which has led to Earth being invaded by aliens and zombies on a couple of occasions.
* [[Hand Wave|Handwaved]] in Mark Millar's ''[[Ultimate X-Men]]'', stating that Beast was researching cheaper alternatives to high-priced Western pharmaceuticals in the Third World. However, Beast's devastation dealt to him by the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants presumably causes him to halt such research.
* [[Hand Wave|Handwaved]] in Mark Millar's ''[[Ultimate X-Men]]'', stating that Beast was researching cheaper alternatives to high-priced Western pharmaceuticals in the Third World. However, Beast's devastation dealt to him by the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants presumably causes him to halt such research.
* Averted with Thor who uses his weather control powers to help African farmers, and super-strength to rebuild Bosnia. Storm of the X-Men also used her powers to bring rain to a recession-hit farm area as part of a college project.
* Averted with Thor who uses his weather control powers to help African farmers, and super-strength to rebuild Bosnia. Storm of the X-Men also used her powers to bring rain to a recession-hit farm area as part of a college project.
* Before the Ultimate X-Men broke up, Jean Grey's primary focus at the school was using her telepathic powers to help the mentally ill.
* Before the Ultimate X-Men broke up, Jean Grey's primary focus at the school was using her telepathic powers to help the mentally ill.
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* ''[[Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (film)|Charlie and The Chocolate Factory]]'': Willy Wonka can make an entire meal come out of gum, an ice cream that stays cold and doesn't melt in the sun, build a chocolate palace without a metal framework, teleport things into TV screens, and has anti-gravity technology - yet he only applies his know-how to candy. [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] by Mike Teavee in the 2005 movie: "Don't you realize what you've invented? It's a teleporter! It's the most important invention in the world! And all you think about is ''chocolate''!"
* ''[[Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (film)|Charlie and The Chocolate Factory]]'': Willy Wonka can make an entire meal come out of gum, an ice cream that stays cold and doesn't melt in the sun, build a chocolate palace without a metal framework, teleport things into TV screens, and has anti-gravity technology - yet he only applies his know-how to candy. [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] by Mike Teavee in the 2005 movie: "Don't you realize what you've invented? It's a teleporter! It's the most important invention in the world! And all you think about is ''chocolate''!"
* [[Scooby Doo]] and the Cyber Chase has a plot built around a couple of these moments.
* [[Scooby Doo]] and the Cyber Chase has a plot built around a couple of these moments.
** The gang goes to visit a friend who has made a video game based off their adventures only for them to discover that he has invented a laser that can digitize and rebuild matter (ala [[Tron]]) but instead of testing it as a possibility to solve world problems like hunger or extended/more efficient space travel he store real items in his game for lazy coding; {{spoiler|And eventually Mystery Inc. is transported in and out as well showing that even living things could be moved over great distances.}}
** The gang goes to visit a friend who has made a video game based off their adventures only for them to discover that he has invented a laser that can digitize and rebuild matter (ala [[Tron]]) but instead of testing it as a possibility to solve world problems like hunger or extended/more efficient space travel he store real items in his game for lazy coding; {{spoiler|And eventually Mystery Inc. is transported in and out as well showing that even living things could be moved over great distances.}}
*** Velma says at the end that the professor is a suspect because he "...could make a quarter of a million dollars..." at the competition the game and invented laser was being entered into instead of pointing out he could take control of the world with a sustained and protected power source and a few petabites of memory.
*** Velma says at the end that the professor is a suspect because he "...could make a quarter of a million dollars..." at the competition the game and invented laser was being entered into instead of pointing out he could take control of the world with a sustained and protected power source and a few petabites of memory.
** The Phantom Virus, the title "ghost," is sent out from a virtual world and acts upon real objects with super natural powers. It knows to chase the real Mystery Inc. but leaves the virtual ones alone until they interfere showing some semblance of AI. Same with the virtual Mystery Inc. who have chosen to stay on the most diverse level.
** The Phantom Virus, the title "ghost," is sent out from a virtual world and acts upon real objects with super natural powers. It knows to chase the real Mystery Inc. but leaves the virtual ones alone until they interfere showing some semblance of AI. Same with the virtual Mystery Inc. who have chosen to stay on the most diverse level.
* ''[[Space Camp]]'' has a sentient, AI robot which is capable expressing emotions and bypassing failsafes to launch a shuttle, but NASA itself is still counting on the shuttle and mindless computers.
* ''[[Space Camp]]'' has a sentient, AI robot which is capable expressing emotions and bypassing failsafes to launch a shuttle, but NASA itself is still counting on the shuttle and mindless computers.
* Averted in ''[[The Incredibles]]'', where [[Big Bad|Syndrome's]] evil plot is to sell his inventions to the public, thus making super-powered beings obsolete.
* Averted in ''[[The Incredibles]]'', where [[Big Bad|Syndrome's]] evil plot is to sell his inventions to the public, thus making super-powered beings obsolete.
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*** Actually, the wizards are still idiots -- magical paintings are effectively artificial intelligences based on the memories and personalities of the wizards painted in them, and yet nobody ever seems to think of finding out which wizards of the past were really cracking reference librarians and hanging a few paintings of them in study carrels for students to consult.
*** Actually, the wizards are still idiots -- magical paintings are effectively artificial intelligences based on the memories and personalities of the wizards painted in them, and yet nobody ever seems to think of finding out which wizards of the past were really cracking reference librarians and hanging a few paintings of them in study carrels for students to consult.
*** For that matter, the Hogwarts library doesn't appear to have a reference librarian of any kind -- Madam Pince's only visible function is to check books in and out, and shush noisy students.
*** For that matter, the Hogwarts library doesn't appear to have a reference librarian of any kind -- Madam Pince's only visible function is to check books in and out, and shush noisy students.
* Actually explained very nicely in ''[[Young Wizards]]''. When Nita's mother develops cancer, she seeks out to heal her and it becomes the primary goal of the fifth book. It's stated that even though curing cancer is possible, it's very tricky to do. It's also stated that you not only have to heal the person, but also the cancer as well.
* Actually explained very nicely in ''[[Young Wizards]]''. When Nita's mother develops cancer, she seeks out to heal her and it becomes the primary goal of the fifth book. It's stated that even though curing cancer is possible, it's very tricky to do. It's also stated that you not only have to heal the person, but also the cancer as well.
* The ''[[Dresden Files]]'' book ''Turn Coat'' explores this. The reason so far given is that if mages were to be part of the world they would become part of the political process. Wars between [[Muggles]] would become wars between mages; and then nobody would be able to stop the vampires. Whether this is a ''good'' reason is left open...
* The ''[[Dresden Files]]'' book ''Turn Coat'' explores this. The reason so far given is that if mages were to be part of the world they would become part of the political process. Wars between [[Muggles]] would become wars between mages; and then nobody would be able to stop the vampires. Whether this is a ''good'' reason is left open...
** In ''Dead Beat'' it is implied that WWI and WWII were caused by the white council battling the necromancers.
** In ''Dead Beat'' it is implied that WWI and WWII were caused by the white council battling the necromancers.
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* A [[Ray Bradbury]] short story ("A Piece of Wood") has the army-employed scientist protagonist invent a machine that causes immediate rust: a pen, a tank, a rifle will dissolve into red dust. The finale reveals that since the device has a time delay: he has been walking around the entire military base disabling the entire installation, and it is revealed he plans to do this to the entire world. (How he would get there is unaddressed.) The story ends with the general he was talking to getting up from his chair and breaking off a leg, intending to use it as a club.
* A [[Ray Bradbury]] short story ("A Piece of Wood") has the army-employed scientist protagonist invent a machine that causes immediate rust: a pen, a tank, a rifle will dissolve into red dust. The finale reveals that since the device has a time delay: he has been walking around the entire military base disabling the entire installation, and it is revealed he plans to do this to the entire world. (How he would get there is unaddressed.) The story ends with the general he was talking to getting up from his chair and breaking off a leg, intending to use it as a club.
** Another Bradbury story, "The Flying Machine", was set during the [[Dynasties From Shang to Qing|Han Dynasty]]. The Emperor of China witnessed a man flying by means of a bamboo-framed dragon kite, similar to a hang-glider. The Emperor, after confirming that no one else saw the man fly, ordered the kite destroyed and the inventor executed. When the inventor asked why, the Emperor explained that he feared this invention would be ultimately used by China's enemies to attack China. The Emperor admitted that he had no desire to kill the inventor, but felt that it was necessary to safeguard his people.
** Another Bradbury story, "The Flying Machine", was set during the [[Dynasties From Shang to Qing|Han Dynasty]]. The Emperor of China witnessed a man flying by means of a bamboo-framed dragon kite, similar to a hang-glider. The Emperor, after confirming that no one else saw the man fly, ordered the kite destroyed and the inventor executed. When the inventor asked why, the Emperor explained that he feared this invention would be ultimately used by China's enemies to attack China. The Emperor admitted that he had no desire to kill the inventor, but felt that it was necessary to safeguard his people.
*** The Flying Machine was really about how the Emperor couldn't really prevent flight. Just delay it.
*** The Flying Machine was really about how the Emperor couldn't really prevent flight. Just delay it.
* In ''[[Night Watch|The Watch]]'' books, the Others do interfere with human affairs, but an elaborate system of mutual sanctions makes sure that interference isn't overt. The sanctions were set up to preserve the Balance, which, in turn, was established because open warfare between the Light Others and Dark Others left catastrophic casualties on both sides (not to mention untold collateral damage). Of course, this doesn't stop each side from trying to find an advantage that would allow them to win without triggering [[Mutually Assured Destruction]].
* In ''[[Night Watch|The Watch]]'' books, the Others do interfere with human affairs, but an elaborate system of mutual sanctions makes sure that interference isn't overt. The sanctions were set up to preserve the Balance, which, in turn, was established because open warfare between the Light Others and Dark Others left catastrophic casualties on both sides (not to mention untold collateral damage). Of course, this doesn't stop each side from trying to find an advantage that would allow them to win without triggering [[Mutually Assured Destruction]].
** They have to be even more careful now, as us regular humans are now also fully capable of [[Mutually Assured Destruction]], partly due to the Others' interference. In fact, it's mentioned that both Nazism and Communism were failed attempts at creating a perfect society. In the latter case, the attempt was deliberately sabotaged by {{spoiler|Geser}} after realizing that it would result in a world even worse than ours. Also, humans have nukes, which kill the Others just as well as anything else.
** They have to be even more careful now, as us regular humans are now also fully capable of [[Mutually Assured Destruction]], partly due to the Others' interference. In fact, it's mentioned that both Nazism and Communism were failed attempts at creating a perfect society. In the latter case, the attempt was deliberately sabotaged by {{spoiler|Geser}} after realizing that it would result in a world even worse than ours. Also, humans have nukes, which kill the Others just as well as anything else.
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** It was also noted that the Urn of Osiris, that {{spoiler|resurrected Buffy}}, was the only true way of bringing someone back from the dead, body and soul intact. When Willow acquired it, she was lucky, because that was the very last one, and it was smashed and defiled, so if it had been pieced back together it still would have been useless.
** It was also noted that the Urn of Osiris, that {{spoiler|resurrected Buffy}}, was the only true way of bringing someone back from the dead, body and soul intact. When Willow acquired it, she was lucky, because that was the very last one, and it was smashed and defiled, so if it had been pieced back together it still would have been useless.
* As mentioned in the page intro, ''[[Star Trek]]'' is rife with missed opportunities and blindness regarding the application of the technology available. There usually end up being more rationalizations and justifications as to why something '''doesn't''' do something useful than techo-babble about how it works in the first place.
* As mentioned in the page intro, ''[[Star Trek]]'' is rife with missed opportunities and blindness regarding the application of the technology available. There usually end up being more rationalizations and justifications as to why something '''doesn't''' do something useful than techo-babble about how it works in the first place.
** The original series had an episode involving a plant that could cure any disease, and regrow severed limbs. The plant was conveniently forgotten in all future episodes.
** The original series had an episode involving a plant that could cure any disease, and regrow severed limbs. The plant was conveniently forgotten in all future episodes.
** In the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' episode "Rascals", they accidentally discover the secret of eternal life (by turning four crewmembers into children via the [[Transporters and Teleporters|transporter]], while they still retain their memory). No one ever tries to find out how that worked.
** In the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]'' episode "Rascals", they accidentally discover the secret of eternal life (by turning four crewmembers into children via the [[Transporters and Teleporters|transporter]], while they still retain their memory). No one ever tries to find out how that worked.
*** This also occurred in the second season episode "Unnatural Selection". After being artificially aged, the crew is able to revert Dr. Pulaski to her normal age using a DNA sample and the transporter. Ironically, earlier in the episode as she was experiencing accelerated aging, she commented that she was getting a better understanding of Geriatrics. Considering that they seem to have found a cure for old age this new understanding ought to be irrelevant.
*** This also occurred in the second season episode "Unnatural Selection". After being artificially aged, the crew is able to revert Dr. Pulaski to her normal age using a DNA sample and the transporter. Ironically, earlier in the episode as she was experiencing accelerated aging, she commented that she was getting a better understanding of Geriatrics. Considering that they seem to have found a cure for old age this new understanding ought to be irrelevant.
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** In literally dozens of episodes over the course of the many series, there have been face-to-face hostage situations with the good guys carrying sidearms that will [[Stun Guns|safely and (mostly) reliably (almost) instantly render unconscious any number of targets]]. Yet the option of simply hosing down the entire situation, victim and aggressor together, and sorting it out when everything's safe isn't even discussed. ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' thankfully averted this by having Reed just shoot T'Pol and the guy holding her hostage in one episode.
** In literally dozens of episodes over the course of the many series, there have been face-to-face hostage situations with the good guys carrying sidearms that will [[Stun Guns|safely and (mostly) reliably (almost) instantly render unconscious any number of targets]]. Yet the option of simply hosing down the entire situation, victim and aggressor together, and sorting it out when everything's safe isn't even discussed. ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' thankfully averted this by having Reed just shoot T'Pol and the guy holding her hostage in one episode.
*** Phaser technology regresses considerably over the course of the various ''Star Trek'' series. In the original series it was shown that a handheld phaser could be used to flood an entire room with a stun field. The ship could even stun an entire city block from orbit. In later series the phasers gradually seemed to first become limited to absolutely specific narrow beams that had to hit individual targets, and then further on large phaser rifles appeared to be only capable of firing little bursts of energy. They only seem to remember wide beams when they want to tunnel through rock.
*** Phaser technology regresses considerably over the course of the various ''Star Trek'' series. In the original series it was shown that a handheld phaser could be used to flood an entire room with a stun field. The ship could even stun an entire city block from orbit. In later series the phasers gradually seemed to first become limited to absolutely specific narrow beams that had to hit individual targets, and then further on large phaser rifles appeared to be only capable of firing little bursts of energy. They only seem to remember wide beams when they want to tunnel through rock.
*** Versions of the 'stun everyone' tactic have been used in real life hostage situations, for instance in the [[wikipedia:Moscow theater hostage crisis/|2002 Moscow hostage crisis]].
*** Versions of the 'stun everyone' tactic have been used in real life hostage situations, for instance in the [[wikipedia:Moscow theater hostage crisis/|2002 Moscow hostage crisis]].
** Time travel seems to be a side effect of [[Faster-Than-Light Travel|Warp Drive technology]] under special but not uncommon conditions, all the way "back" to the [[Star Trek: Enterprise|chronologically-first series]] having an entire story arc based around time travel. Yet every time it's encountered, it comes as a complete surprise to the characters in question, with a "How is this ''possible''?" attitude, instead of a more-expected "Oh no, not ''again!''" There's [[wikipedia:Category:Star Trek time travel episodes|no less than 41]] episodes that deal with time travel in some way, which indicates that the average Starfleet crew probably runs across an incident of time travel a couple of times per year.
** Time travel seems to be a side effect of [[Faster-Than-Light Travel|Warp Drive technology]] under special but not uncommon conditions, all the way "back" to the [[Star Trek: Enterprise|chronologically-first series]] having an entire story arc based around time travel. Yet every time it's encountered, it comes as a complete surprise to the characters in question, with a "How is this ''possible''?" attitude, instead of a more-expected "Oh no, not ''again!''" There's [[wikipedia:Category:Star Trek time travel episodes|no less than 41]] episodes that deal with time travel in some way, which indicates that the average Starfleet crew probably runs across an incident of time travel a couple of times per year.
*** [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] in [[Deep Space Nine|Trials and Tribble-ations]] (in the novelization, at least), which has a dedicated branch of Starfleet/the Federation to clean up the mess left by all the time travel and other weird incidents. They complain about having to deal with an inordinate amount from the crew of the ''Enterprise''...
*** [[Lampshade Hanging|Lampshaded]] in [[Deep Space Nine|Trials and Tribble-ations]] (in the novelization, at least), which has a dedicated branch of Starfleet/the Federation to clean up the mess left by all the time travel and other weird incidents. They complain about having to deal with an inordinate amount from the crew of the ''Enterprise''...
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* Mentioned explicitly in ''[[GURPS]]'' with the "Gadgeteer" advantage, which allows characters to invent new gadgets more easily. While Gadgeteer allows characters to make gadgets for themselves or to solve problems that arise during an adventure, in order to sell their gadgets for money (or even outfit their teammates with gadgets) they must purchase additional advantages which cost more [[Character Points]].
* Mentioned explicitly in ''[[GURPS]]'' with the "Gadgeteer" advantage, which allows characters to invent new gadgets more easily. While Gadgeteer allows characters to make gadgets for themselves or to solve problems that arise during an adventure, in order to sell their gadgets for money (or even outfit their teammates with gadgets) they must purchase additional advantages which cost more [[Character Points]].
* This is a general rule for superhero gadgets in ''[[Hero System]]'' as well. Devices cost character points to have; while other people are allowed to borrow them once or twice, they can't keep one unless they pay the character point cost as well.
* This is a general rule for superhero gadgets in ''[[Hero System]]'' as well. Devices cost character points to have; while other people are allowed to borrow them once or twice, they can't keep one unless they pay the character point cost as well.
* Both averted and played straight in White Wolf's superhero deconstruction ''[[Trinity Universe (game)|Aberrant]]''. "Project Utopia" is dedicated to using the new superheroes for the betterment of mankind, including greening the sahara, patching the hole in the ozone layer, getting rid of pollution, inventing new technology, toppling dictators, etc. However it is also dedicated to regulating technology, especially that created by those super-beings who are hyper-intelligent, and hiding away those it deems society can't handle.
* Both averted and played straight in White Wolf's superhero deconstruction ''[[Trinity Universe (game)|Aberrant]]''. "Project Utopia" is dedicated to using the new superheroes for the betterment of mankind, including greening the sahara, patching the hole in the ozone layer, getting rid of pollution, inventing new technology, toppling dictators, etc. However it is also dedicated to regulating technology, especially that created by those super-beings who are hyper-intelligent, and hiding away those it deems society can't handle.
** Naturally, there is a thriving black market for such technology as a result; the Yakuza, and in no small way, Japan as a whole, make excellent profits that way.
** Naturally, there is a thriving black market for such technology as a result; the Yakuza, and in no small way, Japan as a whole, make excellent profits that way.
** ''Aberrant'''s Player's Guide provides options for keeping "super-science" from changing things excessively; basically, provides those running games the means to enforce this trope as they see fit.
** ''Aberrant'''s Player's Guide provides options for keeping "super-science" from changing things excessively; basically, provides those running games the means to enforce this trope as they see fit.
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** To put this in perspective for those who don't follow the setting, the Imperium consists of countless worlds, some of which are using technology that corresponds to the late Renaissance or earlier. Some humans are living in pre-agrarian societies. In one instance, Imperial citizens traded with a race of aliens, the Tau, for farming equipment. They were declared heretics and punished.
** To put this in perspective for those who don't follow the setting, the Imperium consists of countless worlds, some of which are using technology that corresponds to the late Renaissance or earlier. Some humans are living in pre-agrarian societies. In one instance, Imperial citizens traded with a race of aliens, the Tau, for farming equipment. They were declared heretics and punished.
*** There are a damn good reasons for this however. Alien technology has a tendency to drive users insane, transform them into aliens, or just plain turn out to be incompatible with humans. As for innovation, well; apart from the constant and omnipresent threat of demonic corruption, there's also the fact that Imperial technology is already Sufficiently Advanced, in accordance with Clarke's Third Law, that no one outside of the Magos of Mars have a freaking clue how they actually operate. Finally, good luck coming up with something more efficient and reliable than the technology that has been tried, tested and refined by the greatest minds of the galaxy over the last ten thousand years.
*** There are a damn good reasons for this however. Alien technology has a tendency to drive users insane, transform them into aliens, or just plain turn out to be incompatible with humans. As for innovation, well; apart from the constant and omnipresent threat of demonic corruption, there's also the fact that Imperial technology is already Sufficiently Advanced, in accordance with Clarke's Third Law, that no one outside of the Magos of Mars have a freaking clue how they actually operate. Finally, good luck coming up with something more efficient and reliable than the technology that has been tried, tested and refined by the greatest minds of the galaxy over the last ten thousand years.
*** Averted with the Tau, who do innovate and have managed to get several worlds to peacefully join their empire/alliance by showing them all the benefits their more advanced technology would bring. Of course, the only reason they can innovate is because they are immune to demonic corruption.
*** Averted with the Tau, who do innovate and have managed to get several worlds to peacefully join their empire/alliance by showing them all the benefits their more advanced technology would bring. Of course, the only reason they can innovate is because they are immune to demonic corruption.
* In the [[New World of Darkness]] sourcebook ''Immortals'', this trope is justified with regard to the procedures used to keep the Patchwork People alive: the book acknowledges that these techniques would revolutionize health care across the world, but points out that they were developed through horrific experiments on unwilling subjects and require [[Human Resources|forcible extraction of necessary parts from live donors]]. The doctors who developed them are [[Genre Savvy]] enough to realize that if what they had done ever came to light, they'd be trying to outrun the [[Torches and Pitchforks]], not stopping by Stockholm to pick up their Nobels. So they prefer to keep it a secret and sell their services to the rich and immoral.
* In the [[New World of Darkness]] sourcebook ''Immortals'', this trope is justified with regard to the procedures used to keep the Patchwork People alive: the book acknowledges that these techniques would revolutionize health care across the world, but points out that they were developed through horrific experiments on unwilling subjects and require [[Human Resources|forcible extraction of necessary parts from live donors]]. The doctors who developed them are [[Genre Savvy]] enough to realize that if what they had done ever came to light, they'd be trying to outrun the [[Torches and Pitchforks]], not stopping by Stockholm to pick up their Nobels. So they prefer to keep it a secret and sell their services to the rich and immoral.
* Being a superhero RPG, [[Mutants and Masterminds]] can often turn into this. Given powers are scaled (logically enough) to value combat uses, a character could very well make 'world problem solver' a gimmick with a fairly light investment of points.
* Being a superhero RPG, [[Mutants and Masterminds]] can often turn into this. Given powers are scaled (logically enough) to value combat uses, a character could very well make 'world problem solver' a gimmick with a fairly light investment of points.
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** This is a [[Shout-Out]] to ''[[X-COM]]'', a game made before the element physically existed.
** This is a [[Shout-Out]] to ''[[X-COM]]'', a game made before the element physically existed.
* In ''[[Portal (series)|Portal]]'', Aperture Science developed several technologies that, with proper application, would have revolutionized the world. Just one, the portal gun, could have, in an instant, solved nearly every transportation and logistical problem on the planet, enabled [[Casual Interstellar Travel]], and incidentally made the company trillions. They also developed [[Brain Uploading]], [[AI Is a Crapshoot|true AI]], [[Hard Light]], some really amazing hardware to prevent [[Not the Fall That Kills You|injury from falling]], and a variety of other things. The only justification for why they did all this and still went bankrupt is that they were so into testing all their [[Mad Science]] inventions that they utterly failed to market them properly -- or marketed them for entirely the wrong things. It also doesn't help that they ignored even the most basic of safety standards, to the point where their facilities would have given [[No OSHA Compliance|OSHA inspectors]] a heart attack. And then, of course, they were all [[Turned Against Their Masters|killed by the AI]] that they put in charge of the facility, which happened around the same time as the [[Half Life|Combine invasion of Earth]].
* In ''[[Portal (series)|Portal]]'', Aperture Science developed several technologies that, with proper application, would have revolutionized the world. Just one, the portal gun, could have, in an instant, solved nearly every transportation and logistical problem on the planet, enabled [[Casual Interstellar Travel]], and incidentally made the company trillions. They also developed [[Brain Uploading]], [[AI Is a Crapshoot|true AI]], [[Hard Light]], some really amazing hardware to prevent [[Not the Fall That Kills You|injury from falling]], and a variety of other things. The only justification for why they did all this and still went bankrupt is that they were so into testing all their [[Mad Science]] inventions that they utterly failed to market them properly -- or marketed them for entirely the wrong things. It also doesn't help that they ignored even the most basic of safety standards, to the point where their facilities would have given [[No OSHA Compliance|OSHA inspectors]] a heart attack. And then, of course, they were all [[Turned Against Their Masters|killed by the AI]] that they put in charge of the facility, which happened around the same time as the [[Half Life|Combine invasion of Earth]].
** In summary, Aperture doesn't change the world because [[Reed Richards Is Useless|Cave Johnson is loony]].
** In summary, Aperture doesn't change the world because [[Reed Richards Is Useless|Cave Johnson is loony]].
* In almost any RPG with an onscreen plot-related death, you will have at least one healing character -- in some particularly absurd cases the majority of your party -- present who has up till now cured everything up to and including most minor forms of death, and they do precisely dick this time for some reason. Sometimes justified with whatever kind of magic killed them, but usually not. Some games actually do a better job of explaining it: a common theory is that they're not exactly dead but ''almost'' dead, or just incapacitated.
* In almost any RPG with an onscreen plot-related death, you will have at least one healing character -- in some particularly absurd cases the majority of your party -- present who has up till now cured everything up to and including most minor forms of death, and they do precisely dick this time for some reason. Sometimes justified with whatever kind of magic killed them, but usually not. Some games actually do a better job of explaining it: a common theory is that they're not exactly dead but ''almost'' dead, or just incapacitated.
** This is true, as seen in Final Fantasy V, where one of the main characters dies on a onscreen plot-related death and the rest of the party tries to use curative spells and items on him, but they turn out to be useless, as he dies anyway. Also, many Japanese [[RPG|RPGs]] use the word "K.O.'d" or "Wounded," oddly even after being hit by a spell that says "Death."
** This is true, as seen in Final Fantasy V, where one of the main characters dies on a onscreen plot-related death and the rest of the party tries to use curative spells and items on him, but they turn out to be useless, as he dies anyway. Also, many Japanese [[RPG|RPGs]] use the word "K.O.'d" or "Wounded," oddly even after being hit by a spell that says "Death."
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== Web Original ==
== Web Original ==
* Justified in ''[[Fine Structure]]'', which makes this a plot point. Scientists would like to use The Script for teleportation and other discoveries, but they'll only work until the ''the fundamental laws of the universe'' are changed by Something so it can never be used again.
* Justified in ''[[Fine Structure]]'', which makes this a plot point. Scientists would like to use The Script for teleportation and other discoveries, but they'll only work until the ''the fundamental laws of the universe'' are changed by Something so it can never be used again.
* The ''[[SCP Foundation]]'' could have changed the world with the SCPs...[[Justified Trope|if they weren't so dangerous]] and most of those that aren't are mostly used to help containing other SCPs. And the Serpent's Hand still consider the Foundation enemies, because they do not want to improve the world with [SCPs=].
* The ''[[SCP Foundation]]'' could have changed the world with the SCPs...[[Justified Trope|if they weren't so dangerous]] and most of those that aren't are mostly used to help containing other SCPs. And the Serpent's Hand still consider the Foundation enemies, because they do not want to improve the world with [SCPs=].
* ''[[Superdickery]].com'' presents [http://www.superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=846:superman-joins-the-army the most inefficient use] of ''[[Superman]]''. "Again, couldn't he pretty much instantly win the war if he wanted to?"
* ''[[Superdickery]].com'' presents [http://www.superdickery.com/index.php?option=com_content&id=846:superman-joins-the-army the most inefficient use] of ''[[Superman]]''. "Again, couldn't he pretty much instantly win the war if he wanted to?"
* [[Chuck Norris Facts|Chuck Norris' tears can cure cancer]]. Too bad [[Reed Richards Is Useless|Chuck Norris has never cried]]. [[Do Not Taunt Cthulhu|Selfish bastard]].
* [[Chuck Norris Facts|Chuck Norris' tears can cure cancer]]. Too bad [[Reed Richards Is Useless|Chuck Norris has never cried]]. [[Do Not Taunt Cthulhu|Selfish bastard]].
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* Professor Membrane of ''[[Invader Zim]]'' can more or less do what he wants, suggested throughout the series that his genius is the only thing actually sustaining what is otherwise a civilization in severe decay because it's populated entirely by morons/jackasses. He only seems to create things on the basis that they interest him, pose an intellectual challenge or that he finds it utterly flabbergasting nobody else has already solved the problem in question, and the fact that he's probably the most powerful and wealthy man in the entire world seems to mean absolutely nothing to him. He once created ''perpetual energy'', then decided not to implement it after all (which was probably a good thing, considering what the rest of humanity could have done with it).
* Professor Membrane of ''[[Invader Zim]]'' can more or less do what he wants, suggested throughout the series that his genius is the only thing actually sustaining what is otherwise a civilization in severe decay because it's populated entirely by morons/jackasses. He only seems to create things on the basis that they interest him, pose an intellectual challenge or that he finds it utterly flabbergasting nobody else has already solved the problem in question, and the fact that he's probably the most powerful and wealthy man in the entire world seems to mean absolutely nothing to him. He once created ''perpetual energy'', then decided not to implement it after all (which was probably a good thing, considering what the rest of humanity could have done with it).
* ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]'' build interplanetary rockets, animal translation devices, and the like every morning. But by the time their mom gets home [[Reset Button|everything is back to normal]].
* ''[[Phineas and Ferb]]'' build interplanetary rockets, animal translation devices, and the like every morning. But by the time their mom gets home [[Reset Button|everything is back to normal]].
** Although in the future episode it's implied Phineas has won the Nobel Prize and Ferb is at Camp David, so they presumably grow up to tackle more "serious" concerns. One episode also has them consider starting a "jellybean-based economy for emerging nations," semi-[[Lampshade Hanging|lampshading]] this trope.
** Although in the future episode it's implied Phineas has won the Nobel Prize and Ferb is at Camp David, so they presumably grow up to tackle more "serious" concerns. One episode also has them consider starting a "jellybean-based economy for emerging nations," semi-[[Lampshade Hanging|lampshading]] this trope.
** They arguably [[Averted Trope]] this trope in some ways---several of their inventions get used for "mundane" purposes, such as helping their friends or family with something. It's just they never bother trying to fix any ''big'' problems, quite possibly just because they're young and don't know about much beyond their neighborhood.
** They arguably [[Averted Trope]] this trope in some ways---several of their inventions get used for "mundane" purposes, such as helping their friends or family with something. It's just they never bother trying to fix any ''big'' problems, quite possibly just because they're young and don't know about much beyond their neighborhood.
* Examples of this trope being averted in the [[DCAU]] continuity.
* Examples of this trope being averted in the [[DCAU]] continuity.
** In the ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Paging The Crime Doctor" Crime Boss Rupert Thorne's thugs are shown stealing futuristic looking lasers destined for a hospital.
** In the ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Paging The Crime Doctor" Crime Boss Rupert Thorne's thugs are shown stealing futuristic looking lasers destined for a hospital.
** In the pilot episode of ''[[Justice League]]'' NASA finally lands a man on Mars.
** In the pilot episode of ''[[Justice League]]'' NASA finally lands a man on Mars.
** In ''[[Justice League]]'', the immortal [[Vandal Savage]] sent a laptop containing current technology to himself, allowing him to depose Hitler, creating a present in which Savage rules the world under the Nazi banner. However, after the good guys beat him, Hitler was dethawed from [[Human Popsicle|cryogenic suspension]], putting WWII back on track. <ref> [http://jl.toonzone.net/episode12/episode12.htm According to Stan Berkowitz], part of the reason Savage's Germany was winning was because Savage directed Germany's resources and manpower toward the war, rather than genocide. So when the Justice League defeated Savage, that resulted in a timeline where WWII was fought but the Holocaust was cut short or never happened at all.</ref>
** In ''[[Justice League]]'', the immortal [[Vandal Savage]] sent a laptop containing current technology to himself, allowing him to depose Hitler, creating a present in which Savage rules the world under the Nazi banner. However, after the good guys beat him, Hitler was dethawed from [[Human Popsicle|cryogenic suspension]], putting WWII back on track. <ref> [http://jl.toonzone.net/episode12/episode12.htm According to Stan Berkowitz], part of the reason Savage's Germany was winning was because Savage directed Germany's resources and manpower toward the war, rather than genocide. So when the Justice League defeated Savage, that resulted in a timeline where WWII was fought but the Holocaust was cut short or never happened at all.</ref>
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* Averted - sort of - on ''[[G.I. Joe]]'', the ''[[X-Men (animation)|X-Men]]'' animated series, and any other cartoon where the animators realized that having soldiers or police officers carry energy weapons would let them get around the problems of having to depict bullet wounds and the [[Family-Friendly Firearms|taboo against showing realistic guns]] in American cartoons.
* Averted - sort of - on ''[[G.I. Joe]]'', the ''[[X-Men (animation)|X-Men]]'' animated series, and any other cartoon where the animators realized that having soldiers or police officers carry energy weapons would let them get around the problems of having to depict bullet wounds and the [[Family-Friendly Firearms|taboo against showing realistic guns]] in American cartoons.
* There's a retrospective inversion of this in the 1980s ''[[The Transformers (animation)|Transformers]]'' cartoon, where the later series, set in the early 21st century, depict humanity as having energy weapons and spaceships and being on friendly terms with lots of alien species. When the ''real'' early 21st century [[I Want My Jetpack|turned out to be a bit different]], fans rationalised this as being down to the Autobots sharing their technology.
* There's a retrospective inversion of this in the 1980s ''[[The Transformers (animation)|Transformers]]'' cartoon, where the later series, set in the early 21st century, depict humanity as having energy weapons and spaceships and being on friendly terms with lots of alien species. When the ''real'' early 21st century [[I Want My Jetpack|turned out to be a bit different]], fans rationalised this as being down to the Autobots sharing their technology.
* Homer Simpson's brother Herb became rich after inventing and selling a device that translates baby talk. After that episode, the device was never seen again on ''[[The Simpsons]]''.
* Homer Simpson's brother Herb became rich after inventing and selling a device that translates baby talk. After that episode, the device was never seen again on ''[[The Simpsons]]''.
** In "Treehouse of Horror XVII" a meteor with some living blob crashes into the Simpsons back yard. Lisa says how humanity could possibly learn about interplanetary transportation from the creature. Homer decides that it is more important to eat the creature.
** In "Treehouse of Horror XVII" a meteor with some living blob crashes into the Simpsons back yard. Lisa says how humanity could possibly learn about interplanetary transportation from the creature. Homer decides that it is more important to eat the creature.
* Averted in the Young Justice cartoon, where the combined efforts of the titular characters and Lex Luthor preventing the assassination of representatives from Captain Erastz duplicates of North and South Korea lead to the two countries signing a peace treaty that can "lead to eventual unification"
* Averted in the Young Justice cartoon, where the combined efforts of the titular characters and Lex Luthor preventing the assassination of representatives from Captain Erastz duplicates of North and South Korea lead to the two countries signing a peace treaty that can "lead to eventual unification"
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* [[The Magic School Bus|Ms. Frizzle]] could make ludicrously large piles of money working for, say, NASA. Just for starters, her [[Magic Bus|school bus]] can travel from Earth to the Sun to Pluto and back in the space of a day, and comes stocked with spacesuits capable of withstanding the conditions on Venus.
* [[The Magic School Bus|Ms. Frizzle]] could make ludicrously large piles of money working for, say, NASA. Just for starters, her [[Magic Bus|school bus]] can travel from Earth to the Sun to Pluto and back in the space of a day, and comes stocked with spacesuits capable of withstanding the conditions on Venus.
** Also in the E/I ask the director bit afterwards they mention that this was simply done for the story.
** Also in the E/I ask the director bit afterwards they mention that this was simply done for the story.
* Averted in ''[[Recess]]'' - Gretchen comes up with something that is promptly seized and erased by the FBI.
* Averted in ''[[Recess]]'' - Gretchen comes up with something that is promptly seized and erased by the FBI.
* In ''[[Archie's Weird Mysteries]]'', Dilton invents some rather...advanced things. Why the heck he's still in a public school is ''beyond'' anyone's guess.
* In ''[[Archie's Weird Mysteries]]'', Dilton invents some rather...advanced things. Why the heck he's still in a public school is ''beyond'' anyone's guess.




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* Pre-Colombian Americas had plenty of scientific innovations that were never used by the natives, such as taming the Buffalo, using the wheel for tasks other than as a toy (i.e. grinding grain, pottery), and the Incas never bothered to use their iron deposits to make tools.
* Pre-Colombian Americas had plenty of scientific innovations that were never used by the natives, such as taming the Buffalo, using the wheel for tasks other than as a toy (i.e. grinding grain, pottery), and the Incas never bothered to use their iron deposits to make tools.
** The lack of domestic bison, at least, makes sense, even if the others don't. The American bison is the largest living land mammal native to North America, it's ''very'' powerful and aggressive towards humans. No culture native to North America appears to have had the technology necessary to build corrals that could hold them, meaning that keeping them long enough to domesticate them would have been impossible.
** The lack of domestic bison, at least, makes sense, even if the others don't. The American bison is the largest living land mammal native to North America, it's ''very'' powerful and aggressive towards humans. No culture native to North America appears to have had the technology necessary to build corrals that could hold them, meaning that keeping them long enough to domesticate them would have been impossible.
** This issue has been discussed at length in Guns Germs and Steel, by Jared Diamond. Basically the big five (horses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) are the only large animals capable of domestication (note 'domestication' is a step up from 'taming' which has been done with cheetahs and elephants).
** This issue has been discussed at length in Guns Germs and Steel, by Jared Diamond. Basically the big five (horses, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs) are the only large animals capable of domestication (note 'domestication' is a step up from 'taming' which has been done with cheetahs and elephants).
* A steam engine prototype was invented in the early Roman Empire, only to have other people dismiss it as a toy.
* A steam engine prototype was invented in the early Roman Empire, only to have other people dismiss it as a toy.
** Largely because it ''was'' a toy. There's no way to scale the aeolipile (which, despite being steam-''powered'', is really nothing like a Watt steam-''engine'') up to any kind of a useful size.
** Largely because it ''was'' a toy. There's no way to scale the aeolipile (which, despite being steam-''powered'', is really nothing like a Watt steam-''engine'') up to any kind of a useful size.
** On the other hand, Hero of Alexandria also invented a device that was the first pneumohydraulic piston (a piston head was moved by water displaced by expanding vapor). The problem is, that working steam engines require an adequately advanced metallurgy that was unavailable in ancient times.
** On the other hand, Hero of Alexandria also invented a device that was the first pneumohydraulic piston (a piston head was moved by water displaced by expanding vapor). The problem is, that working steam engines require an adequately advanced metallurgy that was unavailable in ancient times.
** Again see Guns Germs and Steel, printing was invented thousands of years ago, but many other components (like paper) were just not cost effective enough.
** Again see Guns Germs and Steel, printing was invented thousands of years ago, but many other components (like paper) were just not cost effective enough.
* Look at the Guinea Worm infection, a tropical country disease that causes painful swelling and a worm to erupt out of your leg. The disease can be prevented by filtering water through a cloth and keeping infected people (with open sores on their legs) away from water. Despite the easiness of prevention, Guinea Worm continues to infect millions.
* Look at the Guinea Worm infection, a tropical country disease that causes painful swelling and a worm to erupt out of your leg. The disease can be prevented by filtering water through a cloth and keeping infected people (with open sores on their legs) away from water. Despite the easiness of prevention, Guinea Worm continues to infect millions.
** Hopefully to become an [[Averted Trope]] in the near future, as various agencies are making serious efforts to eradicate the pest, and the infection rate is falling at a good speed.
** Hopefully to become an [[Averted Trope]] in the near future, as various agencies are making serious efforts to eradicate the pest, and the infection rate is falling at a good speed.
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* Electric and hybrid cars may be an attempt to "replace" the petrol engine, but now [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article4133668.ece petrol made from genetically engineered bugs] is being created. However, this '''will''' be used in an attempt to solve the world petrol crisis, making this a [[Inverted Trope|deconstruction]] of why this trope ''can'' be bad.
* Electric and hybrid cars may be an attempt to "replace" the petrol engine, but now [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article4133668.ece petrol made from genetically engineered bugs] is being created. However, this '''will''' be used in an attempt to solve the world petrol crisis, making this a [[Inverted Trope|deconstruction]] of why this trope ''can'' be bad.
** [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2010/01/28/engineered-e-coli-bacteria-produces-road-ready-diesel/ It's also being used] for diesel as well. So looks like electric and hybrid cars may not be needed in the near-future, with possible [[Zeerust]] implications...
** [http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2010/01/28/engineered-e-coli-bacteria-produces-road-ready-diesel/ It's also being used] for diesel as well. So looks like electric and hybrid cars may not be needed in the near-future, with possible [[Zeerust]] implications...
** There's pretty much no way that these technologies would be enough to sustain the world's need of oil should production start dropping (do you have any idea HOW much oil would be needed in a SHORT amount of time). Still, it's always nice to have stopgap solutions to make the transition process easier.
** There's pretty much no way that these technologies would be enough to sustain the world's need of oil should production start dropping (do you have any idea HOW much oil would be needed in a SHORT amount of time). Still, it's always nice to have stopgap solutions to make the transition process easier.
** One energy policy analyst once said that switching from petroleum energy to solar power is like "being addicted to vodka and switching over to gin." Therefore, the analyst stated that instead of trying to develop some revolutionary new power source, the solution should focus more on less energy consumption and a diversity of energy sources.
** One energy policy analyst once said that switching from petroleum energy to solar power is like "being addicted to vodka and switching over to gin." Therefore, the analyst stated that instead of trying to develop some revolutionary new power source, the solution should focus more on less energy consumption and a diversity of energy sources.
* China use to be the world's leader of scientific and technological development, with their many inventions including fish farming, the wheelbarrow, gunpowder, paper money, and even industrialized iron production. China at one point had established naval contact throughout Asia and Africa. However, the emperors eventually decided to close their country off from foreign contact and ideas. This led to China faltering scientifically, economically, and militarily.
* China use to be the world's leader of scientific and technological development, with their many inventions including fish farming, the wheelbarrow, gunpowder, paper money, and even industrialized iron production. China at one point had established naval contact throughout Asia and Africa. However, the emperors eventually decided to close their country off from foreign contact and ideas. This led to China faltering scientifically, economically, and militarily.
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* In the early 19th century, American physician John Gorrie developed an early model of air conditioning. However, successful lobbying by America's ice industry, and combined with the fact that early air conditioning did not control humidity, blocked the implementation of Gorrie's device.
* In the early 19th century, American physician John Gorrie developed an early model of air conditioning. However, successful lobbying by America's ice industry, and combined with the fact that early air conditioning did not control humidity, blocked the implementation of Gorrie's device.
* Countless scientific/technological innovations were suppressed in various communist* governments with purges, suppression of free markets, and blatantly false science. Notorious examples include Lysenkoism (an agricultural "science" that rejected the basic premises of heredity) and probably the worse was the Khymer Rouge (who sought to abolish all modern technology in Cambodia).
* Countless scientific/technological innovations were suppressed in various communist* governments with purges, suppression of free markets, and blatantly false science. Notorious examples include Lysenkoism (an agricultural "science" that rejected the basic premises of heredity) and probably the worse was the Khymer Rouge (who sought to abolish all modern technology in Cambodia).
* ''[[Cracked.com]]'' supplies the following:
* ''[[Cracked.com]]'' supplies the following:
** [http://www.cracked.com/article_19531_5-scientific-advances-that-should-have-changed-everything.html 5 Scientific Advances That Should Have Changed Everything]
** [http://www.cracked.com/article_19531_5-scientific-advances-that-should-have-changed-everything.html 5 Scientific Advances That Should Have Changed Everything]
** [http://www.cracked.com/article_18539_7-lost-bodies-work-that-would-have-changed-everything.html?wa_user1=4&wa_user2=History&wa_user3=article&wa_user4=recommended 7 Lost Bodies Of Work That Would Have Changed Everything]
** [http://www.cracked.com/article_18539_7-lost-bodies-work-that-would-have-changed-everything.html?wa_user1=4&wa_user2=History&wa_user3=article&wa_user4=recommended 7 Lost Bodies Of Work That Would Have Changed Everything]
** [http://www.cracked.com/article_18533_the-6-most-important-things-humanity-just-plain-forgot.html?wa_user1=4&wa_user2=History&wa_user3=article&wa_user4=recommended 6 Important Things That Humanity Forgot]
** [http://www.cracked.com/article_18533_the-6-most-important-things-humanity-just-plain-forgot.html?wa_user1=4&wa_user2=History&wa_user3=article&wa_user4=recommended 6 Important Things That Humanity Forgot]
* The book Super Freakonomics describes how in 17th or 18th century England, there was this one doctor who had a pair of metal forceps that could correctly orient a baby to come out the correct way from the mother's uterus (that is head first rather than feet first). The doctor kept the tools a family secret for centuries. Millions of lives lost, and huge amounts of pain could easily been prevented.
* The book Super Freakonomics describes how in 17th or 18th century England, there was this one doctor who had a pair of metal forceps that could correctly orient a baby to come out the correct way from the mother's uterus (that is head first rather than feet first). The doctor kept the tools a family secret for centuries. Millions of lives lost, and huge amounts of pain could easily been prevented.


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