The Science of Being Difficult

When talking to a Classically trained engineer.

We were taught the scientific process which is not the same language as many people.* Sooooo, when you say “this is a fact” that is just the start of the thought process. In science, a fact is an observation that's been confirmed so many times that scientists can, for all intents and purposes, accept it as "true." But everything in science comes with a level of uncertainty, so nothing is ever scientifically "true" beyond a shadow of a doubt. Some of us are thinking your statement or question through “Hypothesis”, “Law” then “Theory” before we talk. That it may be a fact and may even get to a Hypothesis but won’t make it past law without further questioning. Even now I am examining what I write as hypothesis. Other engineers will find fault with my hypothesis.

You may find me at a party standing in a corner with a tribe of engineers. Try and isolate one with the lure of safety and look for the child inside. It may be embarrassing but loads of silly fun.

I will end with a quote from Mark twain, "I was educated once - it took me years to get over it."

*(https://www.discovery.com/science/Difference-Between-Fact-Hypothesis-Theory-Law-Science)