Member-only story
There is No Toilet Paper Crisis in Japan
They knew this was coming all along
Do you have enough toilet paper?
Ah, human beings…we are funny creatures.
We think we are rational, intelligent, sensible and well informed, yet, crisis strikes and all of a sudden we are hoarding enough rolls to cover the distance between the earth and mars…twice…double sheet of course!
What gives?
Well, for a start we are not rational. Whoever told you that, was being irrational.
We are social animals, we have a herd mentality.
If your neighbor is buying shampoo or toiler paper by the pallet, you better go and do the same.
It may seem stupid but, is it?
The thing is, this kind of mentality has saved our lives for millennia and even though sometimes is not the most efficient thing to do, it gives you peace of mind which in these situations can be very important.
So, if you think you are an extremely rational individual and think you can do better than the herd, I’ve got news for you. Not only you are on denial but also you might end up much worse.
Safety in numbers
We are sheep.
