Our valuing knowledge reality

One of my favorite posts talks the subject of how do we know.

So is so titled: How do we know?

And one of those subjects brought up there as have pondered it often is that of a doctor who figured out that doctors should wash their hands before treating pregnant women. Things did not go well for him. He was ridiculed for what was considered a ludicrous idea in his time, but so believing in it, as women were dying, he pushed and was committed to an insane asylum, where he died.

Talking Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis for those who do not know the story or wish to check where link to the Wikipedia. But he actually comes up quite a bit! With good reason if you ponder how a man was destroyed for trying to get doctors to wash their hands. And of course in our times is standard medical practice though yeah, keep having to get at them and other health care providers to do as much as needed!

So sad someone trying to do so much good, whose life in its tragedy as well as triumphs as he was right, becomes a cautionary tale.

Our species has learned much. But also much with trial and error, and harshness for the discoverers.

There are other dark stories but his stands out to me, as is so easily and quickly told, while also easily referenced.

One should not assume that just because you are right, things will go well for you, if you are right.

But how do you know?

My conclusion is it is important to relentlessly ask yourself that question, as better than not.

Ask myself that a LOT. How do I know? Or sometimes also, why do I think I know?


James Harris