Assumptions.

It is with some amusement that I recall a conversation with a friend about the Earth being spherical. At first sight it would have seemed an easy task to prove the situation until he suggested going back in time before that of modern technology.

The conversation widened into the moving Sun around the Earth, which was a statement that had been believed for thousands of years. Yet it is so easy to assume and perhaps jump to conclusions based on what you perceive to be the evidence of your own eyes, however things might not always really be as first thought.

Of course we all assume everyday things and often without a moment's hesitation. Although this is so very regularly the case, I believe some assumptions could be described as stumbling blocks to progress. One such assumption was to change progress in scientific matters. At a time in the past, many advances in Mathematics and Astronomy were founded in the Arabic world. One man assumed science was the work of evil and successfully spread this belief. At that time the West existed in the dark ages and validations of facts were not necessarily as easy to internationally conflate.

I must say some assumptions could be life saving, particularly if you believe there is an approaching danger and remove yourself from the situation. On another level, when trying to solve a puzzle to assume your first step is right may not be the best course of action.

One character from fiction displayed a bewildering ability to correctly assume no end of people's professions and subsequent intentions. His name was Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I mention this because while assumptions can vary greatly depending on the scenario and subject, the actual process of assuming can be extremely entertaining.

It might be a good idea to check an assumption before placing too much trust in the idea that it is correct. Therefore judgement and research can be very useful partners in practice when it comes to assumptions.