The speaker contends that discovery and progress are made only through mistakes.
I strongly agree with this contention, for two reasons. First, it accords with our personal
experiences. Secondly, history informs us that on a societal level trial-and-error provides
the very foundation for discovery and true progress, in all realms of human endeavor.
To begin with, this contention accords with our everyday experience as humans from early childhood
through adulthood. As infants we learn how to work by falling down again and again. As adolescents
we discover our social niche, and develop self confidence and assertiveness, only by way of the
sorts of awkward social encounters that are part-and-parcel of adolescence. Through failed
relationship not only do we discover who we are and are not compatible with, we also discover
ourselves in the process. And, most of us find the career path that suits us only through trying
jobs that don’t. The same principle also applies on a societal level. Consider, for example, how we
progress in our scientific knowledge. Our scientific method is essentially a call for progress
through trial-and-error. Any new theory must be tested by empirical observation, and must
withstand rigorous scientific scrutiny. Moreover, the history of theoretical science is essentially
a history of trial-and-error. One modern example involves two contrary theories of physics: wave
theory and quantum theory. During the last quarter-century scientists have been struggling
to disprove one or the other-or to reconcile them. As it turns out, a new so-called
“string” theory shows that the quantum and wave theories are mistakes in the sense
that each one is inadequate to explain the behavior of all matter; yet both so-called
“mistakes” were necessary for physics to advance, or progress, to this newer theory.
The value of trial-and-error is not limited to the sciences. In government and politics, progress
usually comes about through dissension and challenge-that is, when people point out the mistakes
of those in power. In fact, without our challenging the mistaken notions of established
institutions, political oppression and tyranny would go unchecked. Similarly, in the fields
of civil and criminal law jurists and legislators who uphold and defend legal precedent must face
continual opposition from those who question the fairness and relevance of our system of laws.
In sum, the speaker correctly asserts that it is through mistakes that discovery and true
progress are made, Indeed, our personal growth as individuals, as well as advances in science,
government, and law, depends on making mistakes.