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Published online 18 January 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2007.352
Column: Muse
The maths behind group showers
A simple model of the tribulations of hostel shower systems highlights the benefits of human diversity, says Philip Ball.
Human variety is more than the spice of life — it seems to be an essential part of what makes our communities function. From the boost that genetic diversity gives to populations in the face of a changing environment, to the fact that we’re not all trying to fly to the same Pacific island for a bit of winter sunshine, differences in character and behaviour are vital to the smooth running of our lives.
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The shower problem might be best solved with a model based on communism, where a beloved leader decides what is best for the masses, i.e. sets the temperature for all. And as in communism, as soon as somebody deviates from the ideal the whole system collapses.