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We sometimes say “computers were a mistake”, as if clay tablets were any better. From the very beginning, humans have been screwing up, and it’s only gotten worse from there. Each time, though, we’ve learned something and moved forward. Sometimes we forget those lessons, so let’s look through the lens of software engineering at a few of these oopsie-daisies, and see the common point of failure - humans themselves.
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In her talk titled **The History of Making Mistakes** at RailsConf 2021, Kerri Miller explores the essential role of mistakes in human progress, especially through the lens of software engineering. She highlights that mistakes have been a part of human history from the very beginning and that each misstep presents opportunities for learning and growth. Key Points Discussed: - **Personal Anecdotes**: Kerri begins with her own experiences in acting and the mistakes that shaped her professional journey, illustrating the human aspect of errors. - **Historical Analysis**: She dives into the past by introducing **Kush**, a Sumerian known as the first person in history to have a name. Kush's monumental error involved a math mistake recorded on a clay tablet, representing humanity's enduring relationship with error. - **The Wicked Bible**: A notable printing blunder in 1631 led to a version of the Bible that famously misprinted one of the Ten Commandments. This mishap resulted in significant penalties for the printers, showcasing the gravity of errors in historical contexts. - **Engineering Failures**: Kerri recounts the **Vasa**, a warship that sank due to a series of engineering mistakes during its launch in 1628. This disaster emphasizes how miscommunication and design flaws in collaborative environments can lead to catastrophe. - **Modern Mistakes**: The discussion extends to contemporary examples such as Citibank's accidental $900 million wire transfer to Revlon due to a checkbox error in their system. This incident exemplifies how small mistakes in complex systems can lead to monumental failures. - **Human Element in Technology**: Kerri stresses that understanding the human component of technical failures is essential for improving software engineering. She encourages the audience to consider that we create software systems to solve human problems, and thus, our mistakes reflect our shared humanity. - **Lessons from Mistakes**: Finally, Kerri concludes by asserting that rather than viewing mistakes merely as failures, they should be seen as valuable learning opportunities that shape our understanding and progress in technology and engineering. **Key Takeaways**: - Mistakes are inherent in the human experience and are critical opportunities for learning. - Historical blunders offer rich lessons that continue to resonate in modern engineering and technology. - The importance of effective communication and teamwork in preventing errors in technical environments cannot be overstated.
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