This is a 2 by 4:

This piece of lumber gets its name from the dimensions of its face (2 inches by 4 inches).  2 by 4s vary by length and are popular due to their versatility and strength.  For the purposes of this thought exercise, imagine you have at your disposal a 20 yard-long (~7metre long) 2 by 4 graded at C40 (also called glulam, these GLUED and LAMINATED pieces of lumber possess strength comparable to steel); rest assured, it will not be breaking anytime soon.

Now that I confirmed your knowledge of 2 by 4s, I will lead you on a mental journey — a virtual experiment, if you will.  Form this piece of lumber in your head, rotate it around a few times, try your best to snap it in half with your mental muscles.  If it is indeed graded at C40, it should at most bend slightly in response to your immense mental powers, but should hold true.  If you’ve succeeded in breaking the 2 by 4, congratulations!  Create another and try again — you want a really sturdy 2 by 4 before you continue!  We shall begin once you have your very own 2 by 4 that will not bend nor break and will reliably hold your weight.  From here on out, keep one rule in mind:  Honesty is the Best Policy.  After experiencing each scene, you will be asked a question.  Keep track of the answers to the questions that come ahead. Continue reading →