Understand

In 'Understand,' Ted Chiang explores the story of Leon Greco, who suffers extensive brain damage from oxygen deprivation.

Doctors treat him with an experimental medication, hormone K, which not only regenerates his damaged neurons but also significantly enhances his intelligence and motor skills.

As Greco's abilities continue to escalate, he becomes aware of intricate patterns and connections everywhere, leading him to suspect government involvement and prompting him to go into hiding.

The story delves into themes of hyper-intelligence, government surveillance, and the complexities of human cognition and perception.