I saw a meme the other day that asked whether you would want 1 million dollars right now, or to start your life again at age 6 with all of the knowledge you have today.

I’ve seen versions of this before and it almost seems like a trick question.

At face value, it seems obvious. A million bucks seems like a lot of money, but is it? How far does it really go these days? Taking the money is certainly the quick and easy option. Then again, reliving life with a lifetime of knowledge will surely lead to far more wealth in the long term.

I assume that’s what the question implies.

However, the more I contemplate this, I always end up taking the cash.

Living your life with advanced knowledge seems like the right option. But in reality, it would be a torturous prison sentence.

Imagine being a kid again, with your wealth of experience and knowledge of technology and a life with every advancement we’ve made over the years. Now you’re stuck in the feeble body of a child without any of it. On top of that, you wouldn’t really be able to use any of your knowledge without drawing unwanted attention to yourself.

In all likelihood, you’d end up being institutionalized for your incoherent ramblings of artificial intelligence and computers that fit in the palm of your hand.

The idea of being trapped in the past with the knowledge of today is absolutely terrifying. Even if it meant astounding wealth in the long term, by the time you once again reach your age today, you would be an entirely different person — and not in a good way.