Elevation

The Sky's The Limit?

by Aaron Rice (a.rice@ukonline.co.uk)
written 15 Jul 1996

This article is classified "Real"


Greater height is almost always seen to be "superior", even though this is a
very primitive and narrow way of looking at things.  This theory, however,
is based on a lot of fact, and is difficult to disprove when you look at
many aspects of the world where it is indeed an advantage.  Examples of this
are wide and varied, and include such things as crowds (chiefly when you are
at the back), and reaching for items from a shelf (which is definitely
problematic if you aren't tall enough).

As with a lot of things, there are ways to deal with this, whether they be
temporary or permanent.  A fashion among some people is to wear shoes that
are elevated in one way or another [1].  Added to this, a person may wish to
supplement their stature by standing on a box or something similar, though
this idea is a little flawed if you are going to have to move about a lot.
Permanent methods are a little more difficult to implement, and can be very
messy.

Further ways of elevation can involve standing on a moving elevated object.
Examples of these are things like roller skates (though these may be
classified as shoes, which have already been mentioned), skate boards,
bikes, or basically any other vehicle where you are able to stand at a
greater height than you previously did.

Of course, these methods only apply to small elevations, and are relatively
useless when applied to a greater vertical distance, such as a tall
building, or any object that is significantly above [2] the ground.  Ways of
achieving these climbs include methods of propulsion (with, for example, a
rocket), a mechanical or manual lift or elevator, and a ladder [3].

The final thing to bear in mind, however, when you achieve your desired
point of elevation, is best summed up in the phrase, "what goes up must come
down."  It is always vitally important, then, to make sure that you have a
usable method to do so, unless you want to allow gravity to do it for you
[4].

[1] Fashion varies, but there's usually something along those lines.
[2] As the existence of gravity may play havoc with this idea in some
    circumstances, it is conceded that you may need to elevate yourself
    to reach items that are technically "below" you.
[3] Not really a practical idea if you have a large distance to cover,
    unless you combine it with one of the others.
[4] If you are not within a gravitational field, this will not directly
    apply.  However, you will have a cartload of additional problems,
    including the fact that "elevation" is not strictly relevant to you.

See also:
  • Jumping Off Cliffs And Other High Places
  • Gravity
  • Elevators, Fifty Fun Things To Do In
  • Fashion

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