The Impact of Cutting Paper: An Exploration of Material Changes and Psychological Perspectives

When we cut a piece of paper, a series of physical and psychological changes take place. Cutting paper is not just a simple action but a transformation that affects the material properties of the paper as well as its perceived value by sentient beings who reflect on their lives through this object.

Physical Changes in Cutting Paper

Cutting a piece of paper involves a variety of physical alterations:

Separation

The cutting action separates the paper into two or more pieces. This process is typically achieved using sharp objects like scissors or a knife, which apply sufficient force to break the fibers in the paper. This separation can be performed either by scissors or a precise knife, both of which are known to break the complex network of cellulose fibers that make up the paper.

Fiber Disruption

Paper is composed of cellulose fibers, which are formed into a network held together by hydrogen bonds. Cutting disrupts the alignment and integrity of these fibers, causing them to break. This disruption is more pronounced in thicker paper or if the cutting tool is dull, resulting in frayed and uneven edges. The fibers that are disrupted may no longer form a cohesive network, leading to the paper's degraded characteristics.

Surface Area Increase

One of the most noticeable changes resulting from cutting is an increase in the paper's total surface area. Each piece of paper has new edges exposed, which can enhance the paper's interaction with external elements such as air and moisture. This increased contact can affect the paper's absorption and resistance to these elements.

Change in Properties

The physical and mechanical properties of the paper are altered through the cutting process. For example, smaller pieces of paper may become more flexible or easier to manipulate compared to a whole sheet. These altered properties can influence how the paper is used, such as in crafting or writing.

Evaluation of Blade Sharpness through Paper Cutting

A common method for evaluating the sharpness of a blade is to perform a simple and effective test—cutting a piece of typing paper. If the blade cuts through the paper smoothly without snagging or dragging, it is considered sharp. Conversely, if the blade causes the paper to tear or drag, it indicates that the blade requires honing or sharpening to improve its performance.

Psychological Responses to Paper Cutting

From a psychological perspective, the act of cutting paper can evoke strong emotions, especially in sentient beings that experience the paper's journey and its eventual fate:

The paper goes through a series of transformative experiences in its life. It begins as a part of a tree, a living organism in its natural state, surrounded by other leaves. However, one day, a 'big roaring monster' comes and changes everything. The paper finds itself in the back of a truck bed, a crowded and unfamiliar place. It then faces various indignities, from being crumpled and thrown into the trash to being skinned and turned into a blank white page. During this process, the paper reflects on its life choices and reasons why it is being cut and used.

The paper thinks back to the first incident where it was merely chatting with a leafy friend. Suddenly, a roaring monster arrives, and there is a lot of screaming. The paper is then taken and placed in a truck bed with other trees. They are skinned to take pieces of bark to make a blank white, flimsy page. The paper is then confined in a plastic cage with other pages. Some of them do not make it. Carl was pulled out too fast and ripped in half, and Johnny was crumpled and thrown in the trash. The paper thinks, 'Why me?' It questions why its parents named it Louis, and then, why me, continues to reflect on its life and the reasons for being cut into pieces.

The emotional impact of being cut into pieces is magnified in the paper's psychological perspective, leading to a sense of trauma and existential questioning. This introspection highlights the paper's journey and the human actions that shape its existence.

In conclusion, cutting paper is not just a material transformation; it is also a profound psychological journey for the entity reflecting on its life and the decisions that led to its ultimate purpose. Understanding both the physical and psychological dimensions of cutting paper sheds light on the multifaceted nature of this simple action.