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April 19, 2026
Readers reply: What would the world look like if people didn’t make mistakes?
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts
TL;DR
- Mistakes are fundamental to evolution, with DNA copying errors driving diversity.
- Many beneficial inventions and discoveries, such as penicillin and Teflon, resulted from mistakes.
- A world without mistakes might lack innovation, creativity, and personal growth.
- The concept of a 'mistake' is subjective and depends on individual perspective and judgment.
- Avoiding mistakes could lead to a more equal society but potentially with fewer opportunities.
- Some believe mistakes are necessary for free will and learning, distinguishing humans from machines.