To Err is Human by Lewis Thomas
In the essay, “To Err is Human”, Lewis Thomas begins by contrasting the supposed infallibility of computers with the human propensity for error. In the essay Lewis explains how we grow from our mistakes, he says “We are built to make mistakes, coded for error (306). Lewis uses persuasive elements to sway people into his point of view.
Thomas writes that when computers make an error, they don’t know what to do, but if a human makes an error we can adapt and make the necessary improvements to make the error better or get the right answer. Thomas states that computers are designed to be perfect, however, as we all know from personal experiences, computers sometimes do make mistakes.
He then goes on to say that computers come to do the same as humans like when people make mistakes they learn from them, he said that if computers could do it they would be even more perfect then stated. Thomas uses the element of imagery to capture his readers interest in the essay, by comparing a humans mind to a computer’s workings, he goes on to state that a good bank or the government, has to run like a computer or a least somewhat, this connects the reader to something that goes on in everyday life and moves their live along.
In this essay Thomas’ intended it to make readers realize that an “error” is nothing to be worried about and it actually could be our greatest strength. His persuasive techniques and all of his powerful imagery and description make this essay persuade anyone to take his side and make it look like computers aren’t really that perfect in the end.
