Polaroids and Thoughts

At a certain age walking down memory lane takes longer than walking into ones future. Hopefully the path into future divides into more possible ways…

Today I learned that the UN’s satellite-based methane monitoring program (Methan being one of the most powerful greenhouse gases and a major contributor to climate change. )is able to detect emissions from space—even relatively small leaks caused by faulty valves or damaged pipeline components. Identifying these emissions quickly allows operators to repair problems before they waste valuable natural gas or release unnecessary amounts of methane into the atmosphere. It is an inspiring example of how advanced technology and international cooperation can make a real difference for the better.

One of my favorite english adages is: “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread” - which is often interpreted as a warning against ignorance and overconfidence, much like the Dunning–Kruger effect, which describes how people with little knowledge or skill often overestimate their own abilities. Yet there is another possible reading. Those who have been taught where the limits lie may never question them, while those who are unaware of the accepted boundaries sometimes dare to explore beyond them. In that sense, the saying comes close to the famous quote often attributed to Mark Twain: “They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it.” Not every reckless act leads to discovery, but many genuine breakthroughs have come from people who challenged assumptions simply because they did not know they were supposed to be impossible.