What superpower would you choose?

A perennially favourite question. After much multi-faceted debate with various equally enthusiastic friends (as well as random acquaintances during dissection pracs), I've narrowed it down to two. Just for kicks, and because I adore the sound of my own (online) voice, here they are...

SUPERPOWER #1: MIND-READING

Think Matt Parkman from Heroes. Or Elspeth Gordie from Obernewtyn, although she had every single power, what a hog. The only problem with that sort of mind-reading is (as someone pointed out to me) that what someone thinks at a present moment in time might not be what they truly feel. So perhaps it's not mind-reading I'm after, per se. I want to see everything inside a person's head...? I want to know...their minds...and their...hearts...-begins to laugh manically-

Pros:

- never need to study for exams (can pluck answers out of your colleagues' heads).

- never run out of money (constant access to PIN numbers).

- can get cheap job as crystal-ball psychic in travelling circus.

- can completely dominate poker.

- possible future in CIA, FBI, etc.

- knowing what others are thinking/feeling/desiring.

- knowing what your friends really think of you.

Cons:

- knowing what your friends really think of you. May be problematic if you: 1) tell them you can read their minds and demand to know exactly why you are an 'arrogant cow', which then frightens them all away from you; or 2) keep it to yourself and struggle with the knowledge that you are actually an arrogant cow.

- feelings of guilt after cheating others. Only applies if you have a conscience.

SUPERPOWER #2: TELEKINESIS

Think Matilda, from Matilda by Roald Dahl (I love how Dahl's surname is the name of a lentil used in South Asian cooking). Or Neo when he bends the spoon. Basically, making things move/fly around with your mind.

Pros:

- can scare enemies by making things float in front of them.

- can exercise and burn energy just by making things fly around. No need to get off the couch.

- can impress girls with your skill (if you are a guy). "Undressing a girl with your mind" would take on a whole new meaning...

- can defend yourself against a guy trying to undress you (if you are a girl). Keep heavy objects close at hand.

Cons:

- no major ones, but it's not a very powerful ability. Unless you're so fast you can bend bullets away from you before they hit you. Or stop them completely.