• Cultural Enterprise & the Arts
  • Creative Enterprise & Design
  • Cultural Enterprise & the Arts
  • Creative Enterprise & Design
CATALYST | Creative Enterprise Leadership logo
  • JOIN US
    • About Our Network
    • Pratt ACM | DM Programs
    • Community News
    • Stay Connected
  • CATALYST REVIEW
  • CASES
    • Making the Case
    • Case Studies
  • CONVERSATIONS
    • Conversations of Consequence
  • CATALYST JOURNEYS
  • COLLABORATIONS
    • Capstone Projects
  • JOIN US
    • About Our Network
    • Pratt ACM | DM Programs
    • Community News
    • Stay Connected
  • CATALYST REVIEW
  • CASES
    • Making the Case
    • Case Studies
  • CONVERSATIONS
    • Conversations of Consequence
  • CATALYST JOURNEYS
  • COLLABORATIONS
    • Capstone Projects

Spooky Action at a Distance

Tweet

I read a few weeks ago that researchers at the University of Tokyo were able to teleport light particles from one place to another. The researchers were able to do so by using a unique attribute of quantum physics called “quantum entanglement.” Apparently, two particles can be “entangled” together so that even when separated by large distance, they can influence each other instantly. Einstein himself was so puzzled by the strangeness of this phenomenon that he dubbed it: “Spooky action at a distance.”

Later that evening, while I was picking up a product from a shelf in a major retailer, a thought crossed my mind. By lifting up this specific item I had create a demand for its replacement. My action triggers a response in matter of weeks, days, or maybe even hours. The cashier will scan the item I bought; computer software will update the inventory and reorder, and a new item will be made.

With modern telecommunications channels, it’s possible that my actions on aisles 6, 7, and 12 in a Home Depot in New Jersey will trigger instantaneous effects in China, California and who-knows-where-else. Once I create a demand, there is no turning back. It is as if there is an invisible entanglement between the products in my cart, and the invisible products that will soon replace them.

For every object we buy, we are responsible for creating the demand that triggers its substitution. By swiping our credit card we are signaling the companies that developed, marketed, advertized, and sold this item: “keep doing exactly what you’ve been doing.” This can have a multiplier effect; by ordering an overfished species, we’ve just demanded a replacement.

Everything is instantaneously entangled: mysterious particles, U.S. customers and far-east manufacturers, fish and diners. Spooky action at a distance, indeed.

TagsDesigning DesireFeaturedGlobal FactorsMarket economy

Tweet
Previous Story

What does the economy have to say about social philosophy and moral values?

Next Story

Ashley Bellavia

About the author

Yochi Siskindovich

Related Posts

  • A Creativity Imperative for the Future of Capitalism

    By CATALYST
    Proposing policy shifts to strengthen the...
  • The Influence of Adidas on Culture and Climate Policy

    By CATALYST
    The Influence of adidas on Culture and...
  • Designing Social Movements for Impact

    By CATALYST
    Designing Social Movements for Impact Using...
  • CATALYZING The Conversation: Designing Desire

    By Dr. Mary McBride
    CATALYZING The Conversation: Designing...

CATALYST SHOP

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

PRATT INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN CREATIVE ENTERPRISE LEADERSHIP

THE GLOBAL GOALS

1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health & Wellbeing
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water & Sanitation
7. Affordable & Clean Energy
8. Decent Work & Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequalities
11. Sustainable Cities & Communities
12. Responsible Consumption & Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life Below Water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
17. Partnerships for the Goals

logo
  • Cultural Enterprise & the Arts
  • Creative Enterprise & Design
Copyright 2021 | Catalyst | Creative Enterprise Leadership