| astronomer
named Copernicus theorized that the sun was really the
center of the solar system - a view that ultimately
knocked the foundation out from under the old view of
the universe. Instead of accepting the popular
assumptions, Copernicus used reason to arrive at a
revolutionary conclusion.
Racing could use more people like Copernicus. Sometimes
you need to see the world from a fresh perspective. I
recently met an engineer who designs air conditioning
systems for buildings. He uses very sophisticated solid
modeling programs to manage airflow through a
ventilation system. I realized that airflow through a
duct isn't fundamentally different from airflow through
a cylinder head. I'm excited that the technology he uses
might be adapted to our racing program. After all, I've
developed plenty of preconceptions and assumptions in 30
years of racing. Now I may have found a tool that will
give me new insight.
Reaching a valid judgement is hard work. It may be
emotionally gratifying to decide "That's the
answer!" But I believe that it is more productive
in the long run to say simply, "That's interesting
. . . that raises some questions."
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I will admit that there are days when I'm a world-class
conclusion jumper. And I've known a few racers who could
set Olympic records in leaping to conclusions. But I'm
trying to train myself to think before I speak - and to
examine every assumption before I accept it as truth.
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