The Error of Assumptions

Assumptions constitute a quandry of la condition humaine. We have to assume a great deal to get through our day, yet assumptions can lead to disaster. Each of us walks an invisible tightrope, assuming just enough but not too much. The outcome depends on judgment and perhaps a smidgeon of luck.

Recently, I experienced a minor mishap when I assumed that the stylist knew what products to use on my hair. That assumption resulted in a less than ideal outcome.

Here’s an extreme example of faulty assumptions. A study of plane crashes revealed a pattern that surprised me. The usual cause of most accidents wasn’t mechanical failure but rather human error. And worse, the mistakes could be summed up in the word assumption. Because of their status, the pilots assumed they had all the answers, and as a result failed to heed the warnings from their crew. This simple matter of assuming resulted in disaster.

In his book "The Tipping Point,“ Malcolm Gladwell quotes Earl Weener who was chief engineer for safety at Boeing for many years. “Airplanes are very unforgiving if you don’t do things right. And for a long time it’s been clear that if you have two people operating the airplane cooperatively, you will have a safer operation than if you have a single pilot flying the plane and another person who is simply there to take over if the pilot is incapacitated.”

Clearly. If a pilot assumes he “knows it all,” he will not question his assumptions or allow anyone else to do so either.

Conclusion: In our daily lives, we walk the tightrope of making and questioning assumptions in order to thrive and survive.

Dear Reader, Your comments are welcome. Jsimon145@gmail.com