Imagine an island where society is organized to promote the common good. What would life be like if we could magically eliminate inequality and guarantee social welfare to all citizens? A society where all needs are met. With the end of scarcity, competition for land and resources would be unnecessary. Add to it complete freedom from ethnic or cultural differences that might create conflict. There would be no need to leave this island as society would flourish.
An experiment in the late 60s and early 70s created the perfect environmental conditions for such a society to prosper. The man behind the experiment was Dr. John B. Calhoun, a biologist and pioneer in population dynamics and behavioral research. His groundbreaking experiment at the National Institute of Mental Health gained public attention and had a lasting influence on urban planning and sociology.
In 1968, the same year as Calhoun’s most important experiment, another biologist from Stanford University, Paul Ehrlich, published the book "The Population Bomb," where he argued that the Earth's resources were insufficient to sustain the projected growth in human population. He called for immediate action to curb population growth through measures such as family planning, birth control, and changes in societal norms. Indeed, a widespread and intense concern about overpopulation gripped the world, akin to a societal fever.
Calhoun’s experiment hoped to shed light on the consequences of overpopulation. Indeed, much insight was gained, and Calhoun is widely recognized for elucidating the potential risks and dangers of high-density overpopulation. Another perspective gained from his experiments, often overlooked, is the rare glimpse into what happens to a society when all of its basic needs are met.
To test his hypothesis, Calhoun experimented with mouse colonies. Mice were ideal subjects for this type of experiment because of their genetic similarities, short lifespan, and rapid reproduction, allowing for a compressed timeline to study.
Dr. Calhoun's "Universe 25" experiment involved creating a "mouse utopia" with ideal conditions for the mice, such as unlimited food, water, and nesting material, along with the absence of predators and diseases. The enclosure was designed to comfortably hold up to 4,000 mice.
The experiment began with four pairs of healthy mice introduced into the enclosure. The mice were of the Norwegian strain, bred specifically for lab experiments. They are known for their health and genetic consistency, reducing variability in the experiment’s outcome. Two were male, and two were female. Being at reproductive age, they reproduced quickly, and the population grew steadily. The environment was ideal, and the mice exhibited normal social behaviors.
As the population continued to grow, severe social and behavioral issues emerged. The once ideal environment began to unravel in ways no one could have predicted. What happened next would shock the scientific community and hold a mirror up to the potential future of human societies. The fate of Calhoun's "mouse utopia" serves as a powerful and haunting allegory for our times.
23 май 2024
