A physicist, a chemist, and an economist are stranded on a desert island The only thing on the island besides the three academics is a single can of beans. They are discussing how to get it open. The physicist suggests that they build a fire and heat up the can until the pressure causes the can to explode. The chemist says “No, no, the beans will fly everywhere, land on the ground, and get all sandy. Our only food will be ruined.” Instead, the chemist suggests, they should use the corrosive power of the ocean’s saltwater to eat away at the lid of the can. The economist protests “that will take too long, we’ll starve before then.” “I have a better idea,” the economist says. “Assume a can opener.”