Assumptions Lead to Danger

Assuming - we all do it.  However, there is danger in believing something that has not been proven.

In "A Measure of Restraint," Chet Raymo describes a perfect example of how assuming things can lead to very negative outcomes.  He explains the story of two men who found a stainless steel cylinder in an abandoned radiation clinic.  There was some "seemingly magical material" inside of it, and the men didn't think twice before distributing it to their family and friends.  However, they did not know that the "lovely light" was actually emitted because the cesium-137 in the container was decaying.  They also did not know that another product made during its decay damaged living cells, leading to the death or serious ailments of those who had been contaminated by the substance.

These men aren't the only ones who have ever assumed something.  We assume that any medicine on the market is safe. However, how many times have pills been taken off the market because of unforeseen side effects that they have caused? (Many.) And how many times have we walked past the National Enquirer on the end of an aisle at the grocery store, seen some absurd story on the cover, believed it, and then later found out that it is completely false? (Many.)  And how many times have accidents happened because people assume that, since they have a green light, they can go without checking for cross traffic? (Many.)  Society's problem is that the second we see or hear something, we instantly assume that it must be true or safe or alright to do.  Until we decide not to believe something until it has been proven to be true, we will continue to be swept higher and higher into the tornado of naïveté that surrounds us.