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Pyramid Scheme Implementation

This directory contains two implementations addressing the "Pyramid scheme" issue:

1. Scheme Language Implementation (pyramid_scheme.scm)

A comprehensive demonstration of pyramid scheme structures using Scheme (Lisp dialect).

Features:

  • Data Structures: Implements person records with recruits
  • Hierarchical Operations: Functions to build and manipulate pyramid structures
  • Statistical Analysis: Calculate pyramid size, depth, and level populations
  • Financial Modeling: Demonstrates money flow in pyramid schemes
  • Mathematical Proof: Shows the mathematical impossibility of sustained pyramid schemes

Running the Scheme Code:

You can run this code with any Scheme interpreter (Racket, Guile, MIT Scheme, etc.):

# With Racket
racket pyramid_scheme.scm

# With Guile
guile pyramid_scheme.scm

# With MIT Scheme
mit-scheme --load pyramid_scheme.scm

To run the demonstration, uncomment the last line in the file:

(run-pyramid-demo)

Key Functions:

  • make-person: Create a person in the pyramid
  • add-recruit: Add a recruit to someone's downline
  • pyramid-size: Calculate total people in pyramid
  • pyramid-depth: Calculate depth of hierarchy
  • demonstrate-impossibility: Show mathematical unsustainability

2. PsychoPy Visual Implementation (pyramid_visual.py)

A visual demonstration of pyramid structures using PsychoPy library.

Features:

  • Visual Pyramid: Interactive 3D-style pyramid with blocks
  • Animated Construction: Watch the pyramid being built level by level
  • Statistical Display: Shows levels, total blocks, and growth metrics
  • People Representation: Alternative view showing exponential growth of people
  • Warning Messages: Educational warnings about pyramid scheme dangers

Requirements:

pip install psychopy

Running the PsychoPy Script:

python pyramid_visual.py

Controls:

  • SPACE: Animate pyramid construction
  • P: Switch to people/pyramid scheme view (from main view)
  • B: Go back to pyramid view (from people view)
  • ESC: Exit the program

Visual Elements:

  1. Main Pyramid View:

    • 5 levels of blocks with gradient colors
    • Statistics panel showing metrics
    • Level labels
    • Animation on SPACE key

  2. Pyramid Scheme People View:

    • Circles representing people
    • Shows exponential growth (1 → 3 → 9 → 27 → 81)
    • Warning about unsustainability
    • Level-by-level breakdown

Educational Purpose

Both implementations serve to:

  1. Demonstrate Structure: Show how pyramid/MLM schemes are organized
  2. Mathematical Analysis: Prove the inherent unsustainability
  3. Visual Learning: Help understand exponential growth problems
  4. Programming Examples: Showcase functional programming (Scheme) and visualization (PsychoPy)

Related Files

  • NPD and Pyramid Schemes.md: Psychological analysis of NPD and pyramid schemes
  • README.md: Main repository documentation

References

  • Scheme Language: R5RS/R6RS Scheme specification
  • PsychoPy: https://www.psychopy.org/
  • Pyramid Schemes: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) resources

Warning

⚠️ Educational Use Only: These implementations are for educational purposes to understand and recognize pyramid schemes. Pyramid schemes are illegal in many jurisdictions and harmful to participants.

License

Educational and research use only. See main repository LICENSE file.