I have delved into the first 3 seasons of an epidemiology podcast recently. The history and study of infectious diseases aren’t something that I would usually qualify myself as the most knowledgeable about but the desire to steadily, even if incrementally, practice of learning new things has increased in my years. Not that I will be all knowing, but that maybe some night at pub trivia, I will spout off a subconsciously memorized fact.

However, what I am largely intrigued by is how often “discoveries” are actually things that innovators stumble upon and then prove in repetition after the fact. It’s the ultimate “throw spaghetti against the wall” and see what sticks. And alas, it’s trial and error that progresses our shared history.

At our core, experience is what propels our understanding.

But, if you are lucky, there are times when we are able to find more than just our own discoveries. And, if benefitting from the acquired knowledge of others, there are no substitutes for The Smithsonian Collection in Washington, D.C.. A diverse and extensive collection of art, history and in many ways culture. Admission to each location in the large scale of individual museums is underwritten so access is available to those willing to make time.

Time is a commodity and that has never been more obvious to me. At the pinnacle of a year where more time should be available, I still struggle to master mine in a way that allots maximum relaxation.

The track this week is “Smithsonian” by The Avett Brothers. It’s a rad tune that totally fits the location, even if I am still trying to figure out how “lunch isn’t free” in the chorus. Maybe I will just work on more trial and error.

Here’s to making history. Take care of one another, y’all.