Multipliers

2022-10-16

A neat concept. Sometimes called "leverage", but that name doesn't do it justice. A lever, you see, is a trade-off: you need N times less force, but over an N times longer path. It merely amortizes work over a larger path. A multiplier, on the other hand, increases work by a factor of N.

For example:

• Carbon paper, when writing by hand or typewriter. (Write once, get several copies.)
• Copying machines. (Write once, get many copies for nearly zero effort.)
• A book. (Write once, read many times over.)
• Knowledge. (Learn once, apply forever.)
• Combine harvester. (Build once, use many times.)
• Computer programs. (Write once, run many times at nearly zero cost.)

Multipliers also work when utility is negative (=damage):

• A thief robbing one house. (Neighbours get scared, get locks and cameras, are more cautious.)
• A corrupt official abusing his position. (N damage to commons, N/10 benefit shared between him and a colluding company.)
• A terrorist making one attack. (Entire nation gets terrified.)

Another interesting example is a "fleet in being": a fleet which ties up enemy forces without ever leaving the port. A possible attack anywhere necessitates protection everywhere. Mobility multiplies the threat/opportunity.