An Argument on The Role of Mistakes in The Shaping of History and Human Development

In his essay “The Medusa and the Snail”, biologist Lewis Thomas claims humans are naturally inclined to make mistakes throughout their lives. Furthermore, he argues that mistakes are the basis for human progress. Wrong choices are necessary for improvement and create progress. In fact, the greatest human achievements occur upon trial and error, allowing for future advancements. Mistakes play a key role in the shaping of history and human development.

Without mistakes being made, America would not be where it is today. On July 4, 1776 when America finally gained its freedom from Britain, the founding fathers made it their goal to not make the same mistakes that Britain had made. From the British, they were able to learn what worked and what did not in terms of a government and rules were placed to prevent a repeat of history. They strived towards building a strong government, free of tyranny. Eventually, a democracy was established and Americans were able to acquire a government that served for the purpose of the people. From this we can see how mistakes are important. They are inevitable because we are only human and allow for us room to grow.

Everybody makes mistakes. Whether we like to admit it or not, we are not perfect. My choir teacher always tells us that “mistakes are welcome.” She tells us to sing out, even if it is the wrong note. Because if we do not, she cannot help fix us and better us as musicians. She tells us that even if we make a mistake on stage, own it. Because nobody will know that you were wrong if you act like it was meant to happen. Despite how embarrassed you feel at the moment, keep going. Through choir, I have learned how it is okay to make mistakes. You always have room to grow and time to improve. Nobody is perfect. You take the mistakes you made and learn from it. It is not a matter of how many mistakes you make, but rather what you choose to learn from it.

Wrong decisions are important and one gains from them by experimentation. Humans depend on the mistakes they make. Our mistakes should motivate us because it allows for improvement. Mistakes are the premise of advancements.