LuckyR wrote: ↑March 22nd, 2021, 2:24 pm
You don't have to explain your fascination with ant mounds, it is well documented and pretty simplistic.
Simplistic yes... that's because I'm kind of guy who steps
on bugs, not around them.
I was explaining the contrast in response to your comparison to ants, but what's ironic in your statement is that ants actually
are fascinating.
I'll admit I treat ants like dirt, but I still appreciate that the distance and speed at which they communicate and mobilize collectively in response to deadly threats -- like my feet
-- through chemical signaling and vibrations alone, is pretty remarkable. No other insect I can think of comes close.
LuckyR wrote: ↑March 22nd, 2021, 2:24 pm
My point, that you confirm is that while the ant people would experience differently than ants, you are neither of them. So what's in it for you? And you have made it plain that your appreciation of an experience like this is based on the experience of others (not yourself) which is less common. Many have difficulty understanding/appreciating that, thus a lot of the responses you got.
But, as I stated a couple pages ago in the hypothetical scenario in question, wherein one would be stranded or isolated with the tiny people, the reasoning behind most of my actions would be primarily utilitarian in nature, rather than mindlessly sadistic which is what I sense you are picturing. But reduce their population and there is nothing left to rule. The OP is a thought experiment that explores (1) whether becoming a tyrant to the little people would be necessary for survival, (2) if it is reasonable to be expected to discern them individually and seek meaningful relationships vs. seeing them just as "the little people"), and (3) would the idea of playing god to them appeal on some level. Let's be honest: what guy doesn't fantasize about being a god every now and then?
If some magical genie offered up the chance to be a god, or something close it, not many guys would refuse the proposition.
LuckyR wrote: ↑March 22nd, 2021, 2:24 pmMy point, that you confirm is that while the ant people would experience differently than ants, you are neither of them. So what's in it for you?
Depending on the scale, potentially a lot for me. I wouldn't need to be their size to benefit from ruling over them, and I would have tangible needs that one way or another, would need satisfying. An advanced enough civilization, composed of people even as small as ants, could mass produce enough food to sustain such a giant, although at that scale it would surely require a concerted effort which is where the coercion would be necessary. But with sufficient economic resources and labor, that sort of production is conceivable. Plus, as a lone giant, I would still have male sexual needs that would require satisfying, one way or another. Sure, I could just masturbate a couple times each day... but burning ghost's idea on page 2 would be irresistible. With their opinions holding no weight over me at that size, I could take their women and make them do whatever unspeakable task I wanted until I ejaculated.
And to further answer your question about what's in it for me: Besides the material benefits, it would be enticing just on an intellectual level to see from such a distant perspective how each action taken could impact the civilization. It would literally be playing god; rewarding some and neglecting others, pitting one side against each other, then intervening later. Striking a fine balance between making them afraid vs. risking their anger boiling over. There would be challenge as well as opportunity.
The alternative to dominating them would be to leave them alone: the hands off approach. But that's even more problematic, especially if given limited space and resources. To them I would always be an existential threat and waiting for them to strike first is illogical.
