World War IV
Skipping WWIII
Published: 2023-08-18
There is a quote which I believe is erroneously attributed to Albert Einstein (of relativity fame):
If world war III is found with nuclear weapons then world war IV will be fought with sticks and stones.
This got me thinking. Why not just skip the nuclear war and go straight to sticks and stones?
Far less people would die. The question of course, is how do you do that.
Here's an idea. One rule (to rule them all):
A person is only allowed to use a weapon which they have made all components of themself from materials no more complex than a bar of steel.
So, if you want to wield a bow and arrow, learn how to make bows, shafts, flights and perhaps glue. If you want a nice handle on that, learn how to work with leather. You could buy the hide, rather than have to kill the animal and tan it (i.e the 'bar of steel' rule). Similarly, you could by pieces of wood rather than have to chop down the tree.
A sword? Learn to be a blacksmith and how to fold and fold and fold your metal, and how to work with leather for the grip.
A musket? Sure, but you'll have to make the barrel and all of the components of the firing mechanism and the stock. Then you have to make the shot and the powder too.
Waddaya reckon?
I can see a few problems. Museums of old weaponry may be targets for raids, which would be a bit of a pity. Of course, eliminating the weapons would be a problem. But, just think what we could do with all that lovely steel?
A consequence of this is that weapons cannot be sold for use. What would be the punishment for wielding a weapon which one had not made? May I suggest the destruction of the as yet not destroyed weapons? One blanket punishment: 5 years of labour of weapons deconstruction.
Anyway, over to you. Any better ideas?