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.