Exploring the Economics and Practicalities of Downsizing in Fictional Films
The recent science fiction film ldquo;Downsizingrdquo; sparks a deep discussion on the feasibility and economic implications of shrinking humans. It brings to light the question of how such a downsized society could function, from the construction of infrastructure to the sourcing of food and everyday products.
Why Fantasy Fiction Doesn#39;t Always Hold Water
When delving into the premise of the film, it seems straightforward that ldquo;simple abandonment of realityrdquo; might be necessary to accept the plot. However, as with many works of fiction, the plausibility of the scenario is often undermined by even the slightest detail that doesn#39;t align with scientific principles.
Economic and Practical Implications
The downscaling of the entire socio-economic system presents a significant hurdle. The film suggests that the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors of society are scaled down to 1/15th of their original size. This has far-reaching consequences beyond just the size of individuals but extends to all aspects of urban development and infrastructure.
On the surface, the reduction in physical size seems like a logical economic solution, making buildings, vehicles, and other non-biological structures smaller and thus more resource-efficient. However, sticking to real-world economics, the logical question arises: where is the labor force? For instance, smaller homes require smaller carpenters and construction workers, and the tools used to build these structures must also be scaled down. The availability of such skilled labor is a critical concern.
Similarly, the film raises the question of how tiny homes would be constructed and maintained. The construction process itself would need to be reengineered, leading to the creation of new but smaller-scale manufacturing facilities and toolsets. The existing industries for home construction and infrastructure development do not have the capability to produce miniaturized versions of their current products. Thus, the infrastructure required for downsizing would itself need significant restructuring and scaling down in a phased manner.
Food Production in a Downsized World
The crop scenarios in the film are equally troubling. The fields and farms produce full-sized crops, but these can be difficult to transport and consume efficiently when scaled down. For example, a typical person consuming a full-sized ear of corn or a large slice of bread would be unmanageable. It makes sense that farmland could produce smaller crops, but the logistics of moving and purchasing such minuscule produce become a logistical nightmare, especially in a global economy where larger fruits and vegetables might still be in high demand.
An additional challenge involves the biological aspects of downsizing. Despite the claim that all organic matter can be downsized, there are inconsistencies in the film. For instance, teeth and hair needing to be removed for the downsizing process are not addressed in a scientific manner, leading to further speculation about the impracticalities involved.
Other Esoteric Challenges
Beyond the macroeconomic impacts, there are more esoteric and scientific challenges. The behavior of fluids at a microscopic level is very different from our experience. Capillary action in a tiny tube, for example, defies the principles we observe in the macroscopic world, leading to potential blockages and inefficiencies in plumbing and comparable systems.
Air flow at a tiny scale is another issue. While we often think of air being thin, air molecules behave differently at the micro-scale, potentially causing suffocation problems for downsized humans or leading to the need for completely different air handling systems. This is quite a departure from the simple notion of scaling down a house or factory.
Conclusion
Downsizing, as depicted in the film, is a fascinating and entertaining concept. However, as we look into the practicalities and economic implications, the idea grows increasingly problematic when pushed to its limits. While the concept is fun to explore, examining it closely reveals the complexities and myriad challenges inherent in such a scenario.
So, the next time you watch a movie or engage with a fictional narrative, remember: fun and fantasy do not always align with the cold, hard facts of reality. However, it is precisely this juxtaposition that makes works of fiction so compelling and thought-provoking.