The Invisible Menace!

If you had the power to make yourself invisible, how long do you think it would take for you to turn to serious crime?  I was just watching a show about the Darwinian roots of morality and altruism.  Richard Dawkins was arguing that altruistic behavior is a beneficial trait that is handed down through Darwinian natural selection.  Other scientists and religious leaders were not convinced saying that altruistic behavior must go deeper than just a technique of passing on genes.  

The problem for the other scientists was that, in Dawkins' view, altruism was a veneer, and that underneath that people were bloodthirsty animals.  Things like generosity and sympathy were simply ways of getting mates and keeping the peace.  But once they were unnecessary man would revert to his natural method of getting what he wants.

Well, put it too the test yourself.  If you had the power to render yourself invisible what would you do?  I live in Japan, but many of my friends and family are at home in the United States.  I would be flying first class (invisibly, of course) to see them every other week.  Now that is stealing!

And what if there is a cute stewardess aboard the flight?  Of course, I would fly Singapore Airlines, and the likelihood of a beautiful stewardess would be rather good indeed.  So, would I try to look down her shirt or up her skirt?  Probably.  But on Singapore Airlines they wear very long dresses that show only the ankles, and are totally closed at the neck! I'll have to find out what the stewardesses are wearing on other airlines before I make my final decision. 

There you go, I'm invisible for one day and Im flying first class to New York with my head up some girl's skirt.  I can't afford a trip to New York at the moment so where will my money come from?  I could just stay invisible the whole trip taking what I want, but my friends and family would be terribly disappointed.  This disembodied voice talking to them from out of the blue, eating caviar and champagne cocktails at two in the afternoon.  I couldn't remain visible, and that means I would need money.  But how much, and whence?

I would have to steal money, which would be no problem as I've already been stealing, what with the flight and everything.  So where do I steal the money from?  Where would have the least impact.  A shop? No that's someone's livelihood.  A major corporation like Starbucks? No, I can see it now "Johnson! Your register is under today! Guards, seize him!"  Maybe one dollar from everyone on the street? No, that would take too long.  I can only make myself invisible, not alter time.

Ok that's it, I'm settled on the bank.  But how much do I need.  Ummmm... mayabe $400 would do it.  But there are piles of money just lying around here.  $10,000 is just as easy as $400.  Ummmm...and just think what I could do with that kinda scratch!

OK, so one day in I'm stealing international transportation, molesting young women (I never touched her!) and I'm a bank robber.  Keep in mind this is only day one.  So if you ever find yourself in the position to make yourself invisible tread softly.  These are dangerous waters, my friends.