What I think is
really interesting is that your motivation controls your ability. There are documented cases where people have lifted vehicles to save another person. There muscles were able to put out that amount of force when it was needed and they are able to put out more than what we think now most of the time.
I read recently that a sudden noise like a gun shot at the time of the lift will cause a temporary increase in strength. That's why you also see/hear guys doing big
PR lifts with 10 other guys all standing around yelling at them... it actually helps you to be stronger temporarily!
So, in essence, we have greater capacity than we normally use and, if we could tap into that, how much stronger would be??? I think it's a pretty interesting topic.