Science for Dummies

I'm probably preaching to the converted here, but maybe this will help explain science to those people who just don't get it.

The problem some people have with science is that it is always changing. At one time, the great thinkers out there thought that the sun revolved around the earth. Later, it was discovered that the earth revolved around the sun.

Now, did this make the first people "stupid"? The answer is no, they came up with the best conclusion that could at the time. What would be stupid is if someone said, 'I don't believe the earth revolves around the sun because scientists are always changing their minds.'

To understand science a little bit better, let's spell out that when we say 'science,' we are really talking about 'the scientific method,' which is described by Dictionary.com this way:

a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses

Do you see that last line, the "modification of hypotheses"? That's so important. At one time, people observed that leeches might be the best way to cure some ailments. With time, they found out that that may not be the best way (but it's actually still in use in rare instances).

If you haven't smelled what the Nessmaniac is cookin' yet, we're talking about masks. First, we were told that masks didn't stop the spread of coronavirus. Then, scientists said masks could stop some people from spreading the infection (this is where the whole idea of 'you mask up for me and I mask up for you' came from). And now, science is telling us that even the cloth masks can not only prevent you from spreading droplets, but they are also partially effective in blocking incoming droplets.

As you can see, the science of masks has changed three times. No one was ever wrong, no one was ever stupid; they all just went with the best information they had at the time until they modified their hypothesis.

I thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read this. I hope you can better explain this to the people around you if you see fit.

Mask up and rock out!