A Discussion on the Physics of Regulations

When it comes to the control of usage of a given system, such as making particular substances illegal, the mechanics of the physical universe are directly applicable to the mechanics of what occurs in such a circumstance.

For instance, when water flows from a hose, the form of the flow depends on whether or not a nozzle is attached. If there is not one, then the flow will have essentially the same characteristics inside of the hose as it does when it comes out. There will be no back-pressure caused by a reduction in the avenues through which the water can pass through the head of the hose. As a result, the velocity of the water at any given section will be equal to the velocity of the flow.

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When a nozzle is attached, it limits the flow of the water through the hose. This leads to several changes in the system.

Firstly, the pressure in the hose is increased due to the inability of the water to pass through as easily.

Secondly, if the nozzle is open to a degree then the water that does come out does so at a higher velocity.

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Thirdly, if the nozzle is opened further after being at least partially in a closed state, the water will initially come out at a higher velocity than once the pressure built up is released and stabilizes.

We can consider systems such as this with respect to what occurs in society when we limit the free flow of anything.

Firstly, it causes a pressure build-up that pushes against the limiting means. Take the criminalization of cannabis, for instance. When a government decides to attempt to limit the usage of cannabis by making it illegal, there is a flow of energy that builds up and presses against these regulations. This leads to protests and other similar actions that function to put increased pressure on the limiter.

Source: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, MN, United States [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

Secondly, it actively prevents the flow of energy through a larger cross-section of the population, but simultaneously causes the portion of flow that passes through the smaller cross-section of the population that it does not prevent interacting with the substance to increase. This leads to higher degrees of usage of a given substance, or any other regulated system, in those who are part of the flow regions through which the pressure is able to be released.

Thirdly, due to the pressure build-up, when regulation is reduced so that the energy is able to flow more freely, then there is an initial period by which the volume of the flow is higher than when it reaches a new steady-state. This can be seen as a sudden surge of usage of a substance after an imposed limitation is lifted, such as in Colorado.

The Ballooning Problem

Another similar analysis can be made by looking at a system such as a balloon. When we place a limitation on the ability of something to flow naturally, we put a barrier up that attempts to enclose the concept and block it off from the outside. However, this can function alike to a balloon that is attached to a source of air.

Several things can occur in such a circumstance.

Due to the porosity of the balloon’s barrier—which is present regardless of if it is a balloon or a thick titanium sheet of metal, the only difference being the degree to which it is present—then some material that is attempted to be enclosed will leak out.

Moreover, if it does not leak out sufficiently, the balloon will stretch which ultimately will increase its porosity, allowing more flow of that which is inside to be let out.

If it still does not leak out sufficiently, and the flow of energy into the balloon continues, then it will pop.

The same mechanics apply to regulations placed on our actions. If the regulations are not dense, placing vast limitations on our actions, then they will not contain us. If they are dense but the pressure build-up inside continues, then they will reach a critical point of instability where they will blow apart.

When we have weak regulations, such as suggested courses of action, we do not necessarily take them seriously and then are much more likely to ignore them, passing right through them.

When we have strong regulations, such as a tyrannical and oppressive government, we are very contained within the regulations up until the pressure build-up reaches a breaking point and the entire system is blown apart, which is dangerous in the very same way as a metal tank exploding from internal pressure build-up can be dangerous but to a much more sweeping and widespread degree.

From mechanics of ordinary systems that have seemingly no relationship with how we live our lives, we can take lessons regarding the nature of what is happening when we consider the connectedness of all things and see the mechanics of the physical world as being directly applicable and pertinent to the way society is structured.

Indeed, the instruction manual for life is written in the cosmos.