Our principle – A free and responsible search for truth and meaning –has been followed by scientists long before UU was created. Scientists gather information, observe it, acknowledge what they see,
analyze it, record what they observe, test it in different ways, define the conclusion, then document it, then test it again to verify the findings. Sometimes the conclusions they reach are disproven in time, or while conducting tests they make mistakes, or accidents occur, and with scientists, even these mistakes are analyzed.

In some cases, mistakes made while conducting research have led to meaningful discoveries. In 1929, when scientist Alexander Fleming mistakenly left a petri dish with bacteria uncovered, he saw that it became contaminated with mold. He then noticed that the bacteria around the mold were killed and from his search for truth, that eventually led to discovery of penicillin which has revolutionized medicine.

In 1945, when engineer Percy Spencer was conducting a radar technology experiment and passed by a magnetron which generates
microwaves, he noticed that bar of chocolate in his pocket had melted. Observation and noticing that accident, then acknowledging and checking it out more, he placed an egg near the magnetron and discovered that the egg cooked rapidly. That process led to the creation of the microwave oven. When mistakes or mishaps or accidents occur with us humans, that process of scientific research doesn’t flow as easily. Observing, discovering, acknowledging, questioning, testing further, and following conclusions, then testing them is not as easy with us humans.

The systems for scientific research are controlled and cold. In our life, emotions, pride, fear of the unknown, cultural norms, and resistance to change, are among the factors that come into play and hinder our search for truth.

Ego is also a significant factor. Think of something that you have done which you are proud of? Close your eyes now and answer. How much time did it take for you to answer? Think of big failure that you have experienced? Close your eyes now and answer. How much time did it take for you to answer? Which took longer?

A free and responsible search for truth and meaning is not easy. It’s a challenge, but like Alexander Fleming and Percy Spencer, taking time
out to look at the accident or failure or mistake, accepting it, looking at it and asking the question of how I or we can benefit from this, can lead to unimaginable rewards.
-Markly Wilson