"Understand" is a science fiction novelette by American writer Ted Chiang, published in 1991.

[1] The story has been recorded by Rhashan Stone and broadcast as a four-part series on BBC Radio 7.

[2] In June 2024, it was revealed the story is being adapted into a TV show with Gus Van Sant being attached to direct.

[3] The story follows a man who is given an experimental drug to heal brain damage caused by anoxia after he nearly drowns.

The drug regenerates his damaged neurons and has the unintended side effect of exponentially improving his intellect and motor skills.