by In all science, error precedes the truth, and it is better it should go first than last. ~Hugh Walpole
In all facets of life humans are taught to learn through failure. Whether academics, athletics, business, or family, error allows you to learn and grow in a way few would achieve without failure. When it comes to science, technology, and society, error is one of the most beneficial ways to further our understanding. No scientific phenomena becomes discovered without trial and error, and few societies thrive without disruptions in their system. Since the origin of our species we have progressed to where we are today through error and learning, and we will continue to for the rest of our existence.
Science is defined by trial and error, and that has never been more evident than our current global situation. COVID-19 has affected everyone’s lives, whether big or small, and this entire process has been filled with error. This disease has never affected our population before, which makes figuring out how to control it even more difficult. Through these strenuous months we have only learned through error, as medicine is one of the most complex and multifaceted things to understand. Through the vaccine process and simply trying to understand the full extent of the disease we have made a lot of mistakes along the way, but those mistakes have also gifted newfound understanding. At first we did not think people could be infected twice with the disease, but as we now know it is actually a possibility. There are a lot more errors to be made until we eradicate this disease, but as Walpole said we would rather the error go first than last in this process.
Although error is constant in science and medicine, it can often be difficult to recognize in technology or society. Technology and society is littered with trial and error just as science is, and it has been this way since the start of our species. Through our world’s history the living have always been able to learn from their predecessors. Whether passing down ancestral hunting techniques, or learning from previous fallen empires, we can learn from history and understand the error that took place. People attempt to seek the truth through this historical context, and the most successful are able to translate that truth to help benefit our current world. As I have said, no one does this perfectly the first time, and that is why in every aspect of life error must precede the truth.
Technology is one of the most complex topics in our current world. Technology seems to have no boundaries as almost every moment of our day is tied into technology in one way or another. More people have access to technology than ever before, and our population is literally adapting to this new lifestyle. Through this transition comes error, however, as it is clear that not all technology is beneficial. Aspects of technology such as data privacy, distracted driving, and diminished social skills have all proven to be possible negative aspects of technology. Furthermore, there is often error in technological development itself which adds to the uncertainty families feel regarding technological presence in their lives.
Error is present in every aspect of life, and even more so in scientific, technological, and societal settings. These spheres allow for error to be the guiding tool to learn, and as we have seen through history the truth often follows the error.